The buzzard is the most common of Britain's larger birds of prey.

 Print

Overview

BuzzardOrder: Accipitriformes

Family: Accipitridae

Species: Buteo buteo

Distribution: throughout Europe, widespread in Britain - our most common raptor.

Habitat: open hilly & mountainous areas with copses & wooded valleys, secluded rocky coasts, sea cliffs, moorland, farmland and forests with large clearings.

Description: broad, rounded wings, short neck & rounded tail barred brown & grey. Body plumage ranges from dark grey or brown to very pale grey. Yellow, unfeathered legs & brownish hooked beak.

Size: length:- 50-55cm. Wingspan:- up to 1.5m.

Food: small mammals, especially rabbits, insects and carrion.

The buzzard is the most common of Britain's larger birds of prey. Its mewing 'kiew' is a familiar sound in hilly country in western or northern Britain, as it soars effortlessly, rising on a thermal of warm air.

Read More: Food and Hunting

Related Resources

Please donate £5 to help YPTE to continue its work of inspiring young people to look after our world.

Donate £5 X