Common Buzzard Bird Details
Buteo buteo
Common Buzzard,Eurasian Buzzard;
NA
Linnaeus, 1758
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Buteo
Appearance :
A medium-sized raptor with highly variable plumage, ranging from dark brown to light brown or even pale individuals. Most have a broad, rounded tail and broad wings, with dark bands on the tail and flight feathers. Yellow feet and beak, with a dark, hooked tip for tearing flesh. The eyes are usually brown, and the facial expression is stern, typical of birds of prey.
Behaviour :
Hunts from perches or while soaring, swooping down on small mammals, birds, or reptiles. It also scavenges carrion. Soars effortlessly on thermal currents, with slow, deliberate wingbeats. Can be seen circling high in the air while scanning for prey. Produces a distinctive mewing call, often described as a plaintive “pee-uuu” sound, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Found in a wide variety of habitats including woodlands, farmlands, moorlands, and even mountainous regions. Prefers open spaces with trees or forest edges, which provide perches for hunting.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on small mammals like voles, rabbits, and mice. It also consumes birds, reptiles, insects, and occasionally carrion. Known for its opportunistic feeding behavior, adjusting its diet according to prey availability.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across much of Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. It is one of the most common birds of prey in Europe.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated at several hundred thousand individuals.
Life Span :
Typically lives for around 12 to 20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Common Buzzard has a stocky, broad body, typical of a medium-sized bird of prey. It is well-adapted for soaring and hunting in a variety of habitats.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg) is 6–8 cm long, sturdy, and feathered, with sharp talons for catching prey.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively broad and rounded, with a strong, hooked beak designed for tearing into prey. The eyes are forward-facing, providing excellent vision for spotting prey.
- Bill: The bill is short and hooked, perfect for tearing meat.
- Bill Length: Approximately 2–3 cm.
Length :
The overall length of the Common Buzzard is between 40–58 cm from head to tail.
Neck :
The neck is short and muscular, supporting its relatively large head.
Size :
A medium-sized bird of prey, larger than falcons but smaller than eagles, with a compact build.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is broad and fan-shaped, helping with flight control, especially during soaring. It often displays a banded pattern, with a dark terminal band.
- Tail Length: The tail length ranges from 18 to 25 cm.
- Feathers: Feathers are variable in coloration, ranging from dark brown to pale forms. Most birds have mottled brown and white plumage. The feathers on the legs provide extra insulation, a characteristic of buzzards.
Weight :
The weight ranges between 0.4 to 1.4 kg, with females generally being larger and heavier than males.
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, suited for slow, soaring flight. They help the bird glide effortlessly while searching for prey. The wings feature dark primary feathers and pale markings on the underwing.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 110 to 140 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Common Buzzard has a broad, rounded head with a strong, hooked beak and brown to pale facial feathers. Eyes are usually dark brown.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is typically built in trees, on cliff edges, or sometimes on structures.
- Nest Made up of: The nest is constructed from sticks and twigs, often lined with softer materials like leaves, grasses, and sometimes animal fur or wool.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period usually begins in March or April.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season occurs from March to July
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually white or pale with brown or reddish blotches.
Egg Length :
Eggs measure around 55–60 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is approximately 42–48 mm.
- Egg Weight: Eggs typically weigh about 55–65 grams.
Clutch Size :
Clutch size typically ranges from 2 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually, only one brood is raised per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts between 33 to 35 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period lasts about 40–50 days before the young fledge.
Vocalization :
The typical call is a plaintive “pee-uu”, often described as a mewing sound, especially common during breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are larger than males.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Partially migratory; northern populations often migrate south during winter, while populations in milder climates are more sedentary.
- Migration Period: Migration occurs from September to November for the southward movement and March to April for the northward return.
- Migration Route: Common Buzzards from northern Europe migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East during the winter. Some populations in more temperate regions remain resident.