A principios de 1900, el Buzzard fue eliminado casi por completo del Reino Unido. Sin embargo, ha tenido un regreso increíble y ahora es el ave de rapiña más vista en todo el país, apareciendo en varios hábitats, como tierras de cultivo y bosques.

Descripción e identificación

Los buitres se pueden identificar fácilmente a pesar de su plumaje muy variable. Son aves rapaces robustas que cuentan con alas anchas y largas garras unidas a sus grandes pies. Por lo general, tienen plumas de color marrón oscuro en la parte superior del cuerpo con cantidades variables de plumaje más pálido en la parte inferior. Los buitres también exhiben patas amarillas y ceres, mientras que las puntas de sus picos son negras y sus ojos varían de marrón claro a oscuro.

Plumage can differ significantly among individual Buzzards, with some being classified as pale, intermediate, or dark morphs. In flight, all birds display five visible primary feathers on each wing tip, and the trailing edge of each wing usually appears dark. Buzzards’ fanned-out, barred tails and slightly lifted wings create a distinctive ‘V-shaped’ profile.

Take a closer look at this magnificent Buzzard perched on a branch! Did you know that female Buzzards are usually larger than males? Although they may look very similar, you might be able to tell them apart when they’re perched together. However, it’s easier to observe their behavioural differences during nesting periods. If you spot a juvenile Buzzard, it might resemble an adult but will have paler feathers and streaked underparts instead of barred ones. Be careful not to mistake them for Honey Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, or Red Kites! If you want to learn more about birds of prey in the UK, check out this guide for a detailed look at different species.

What is the size of Buzzards?

Buzzards come in different weights, but they have a consistent length and wingspan. These birds of prey are quite large, with a size that falls between that of a Kestrel and a Golden Eagle. A Buzzard’s body length ranges from 51 to 57 centimetres, while its tail measures about 21cm. Its bill is only slightly over 2cm long, and its lower legs are roughly 7.5cm long. On the other hand, male adult Buzzards weigh around 427 to 1183 grams, depending on the season and the particular bird, while female Buzzards are approximately 15% heavier at 486 to 1364 grams. Meanwhile, their wingspan ranges from 113 to 128 centimetres, with males being smaller than females, in general.

The UK is home to a plethora of bird species, but the Buzzard takes the crown as the most ubiquitous bird of prey. These remarkable creatures have a distinctive call that’s hard to miss. If you hear a drawn-out ‘kee-aaah’ sound that lasts for about a second, there’s a good chance that it’s a Buzzard soaring above you. Interestingly, this cat-like call serves several purposes. For one, Buzzards use it to signal their presence to other animals. They also vocalize when defending their territory from other Buzzards, when feeling threatened by humans or other predators, and when returning to their nests. So, the next time you’re out in nature and hear a sharp ‘kee-aaah’ in the distance, chances are it’s a Buzzard making its presence known.

The Common Buzzard is a type of bird that hunts opportunistically and has a diverse diet. They are commonly found in the UK and their diet includes a variety of prey animals. Although they are carnivorous, they are not picky eaters and eat whatever is available.

Their major source of prey is rodents such as voles, but they also eat other animals including invertebrates and carrion. They have been observed eating birds like pigeons and starlings, and even up to the size of partridges and pheasants. Other prey includes young rabbits and hares, reptiles such as lizards and snakes, frogs and toads, and even beetles, earthworms, and other invertebrates.

When it comes to feeding their young, both male and female Buzzards provide strips of meat and other manageable morsels. The male provides food for the first two weeks, while the female brings most of the food after the first month. The chicks are fed periodically for up to two months after leaving the nest.

Buzzards, known as common raptors, can be found in a variety of habitats, making them habitat generalists. You may spot them in farmland, woodland, moorland, and even towns and cities. These birds breed throughout the United Kingdom and the eastern half of Ireland, but are also widespread throughout other areas. They have a range that extends east to Mongolia and south to the southern tip of Africa. Buzzards often watch for their prey from prominent perches like fence poles, pylons, and trees. While not particularly agile on the ground, they are comfortable in flight and can soar for long periods, often hundreds of meters above the ground. They can also be seen perched in arable fields and meadows to feed.

Buzzards are a bird of prey that can be found in various habitats, but they are commonly seen in farmland, woodland, and moorland areas. However, these birds are not considered rare in the United Kingdom as they are the most common bird of prey in the region with an estimated 63,000 breeding pairs in 2016. Buzzards can be spotted throughout the UK, but they are most frequently seen in the Southwest, Wales, Scotland, and the Lake District. If you’re looking to spot them, keep an eye out for their large wingspans as they soar on thermals during warm sunny days. Buzzards are known for being lazy birds, so they can often be found perched on pylons or telephone poles while watching out for their prey. Additionally, their unique cat-like call is a helpful sign that they are nearby.

Here’s some fresh content about buzzards:

Have you ever seen a buzzard up close? These birds are truly remarkable creatures. They can fly at speeds of up to 28 mph and soar at heights of up to 1,000 meters! The common buzzard is quite impressive.

Interestingly, buzzards were once facing a population crisis in the United Kingdom. In the early 20th century, there were only around 1,000 breeding pairs left. But thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded significantly. It’s good news for the bird, as they can live for up to 28 years – although their average lifespan is around eight years.

While adult buzzards don’t have many predators, sick or injured individuals may fall prey to carnivores like foxes or wild cats. Even Golden Eagles could take down a buzzard, despite their smaller size.

Fortunately, buzzards are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. And while they’re not considered an endangered species, they’re still listed as a “Least Concern” species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. It’s important we continue to take care of these majestic birds.

The Buzzard, a type of bird found all across the United Kingdom, tends to make their nests in trees and cliffs. Males and females work together to create a nest that can reach up to 1.5 meters in size. If you want to learn more about Buzzard nesting, check out our complete guide. Usually, Buzzards lay two to four eggs that are around 55mm long and 44mm wide; these eggs are white with reddish-brown markings. Buzzards tend to form long-lasting pairs and typically mate for life, occasionally using different nests each year within their nesting territory. However, there have been reports of Buzzards utilizing the same nest for up to thirteen consecutive years.

A nest belonging to the Common Buzzard species has been discovered, containing eggs that are yet to hatch.

Baby Common Buzzards
Nest of Common Buzzards with eggs

When it comes to the behaviour of Common Buzzard chicks, it’s important to note that these birds are generally non-aggressive. However, there have been instances where humans have been attacked, so it’s best to avoid approaching their nests during breeding season to minimize the risk of any aggressive encounters.

In terms of interactions with other birds, Buzzards can be aggressive towards their own species when defending their territory. They may also engage in fights with Crows, Magpies, Red Kites, and other birds of prey when feeding on animal carcasses.

At night, Buzzards tend to sleep in tall trees where they can feel safe and secure. During the day, you might spot them perched in fields, particularly after rainfall or ploughing operations. This is because they are attracted to worms and other ground invertebrates found in these areas.

¿Los buitres viajan durante la migración?
Se sabe que los buitres son aves migratorias en muchas partes del mundo, pero no migran en el Reino Unido, donde residen todo el año. Sin embargo, tienden a permanecer dentro de un área relativamente pequeña de unos 100 kilómetros.
¿Los buitres son indígenas del Reino Unido?
Sí, los buitres son autóctonos del Reino Unido y se han encontrado durante todo el año. Aunque hubo un tiempo en el que desaparecieron de gran parte del este del Reino Unido durante más de un siglo, desde entonces han vuelto de forma notable.

Un buitre se ve de cerca, descansando sobre la hierba.