Buzzard

Background

The most common bird of prey within Britain, the Buzzard is a medium to large sized bird with rounded wings. These birds vary in colour between individuals, however adults can be identified via the darkish brown plumage above, and the white patterns below. The voice of these birds is far carrying and shares similarities with a cats “mewing”.

Habitat

Abundant throughout the year within most of Europe, with exceptions of; Iceland and Ireland. Seasonal visitors to Scandinavia. The possibility of seeing these creatures is the highest within open country land such as moorlands.

Diet

Buzzards primarily feed on rodents, but are also capable of taking on and consuming; reptiles, amphibians, and other birds. These animals also feed upon carrion.

Predators & Threats

Unfortunately, one of the main problems that face these birds is illegal culling, which primarily takes place in Scotland, however has been recorded across Britain. In addition to this, due to their nature as carrion feeders poisoning is another considerable threat. As for predation, due to their fast and efficient flight, the only predators they encounter in the sky are eagles. Opportunistic hunters such as wildcats and foxes can catch these animals when they are on the ground.

Facts

• Buzzard pairs are monogamous, meaning that they mate with the same partner every breeding season.
• In order to impress females, male buzzards will perform a “roller-coaster” flight pattern.
• These birds are one of only a few bird species that have a population within each county of Scotland, Wales and England.

Best Time to Look

All year round