Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) ©
Pale form of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Until recently, the buzzard was only found in the north and west of the country due to severe population declines. Over the last couple of decades, however, it has been doing very well and can now be found almost everywhere in the UK. Listen out for its cat-like,'kee-yaaa' calls as it soars in high circles over grassland, farmland and woodlands. buzzards eat small birds, mammals and carrion, but will also eat large insects and earthworms when prey is in short supply.
How to identify
Buzzards are the most frequently seen medium-sized birds of prey. They have broader wings and shorter tails than the harriers or Red Kite. Their plumage can vary from a uniform dark brown to much paler shades. Photo by Nick Dobbs, Bournemouth, Dorset 12-12-17
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) ©
Pale form of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Until recently, the buzzard was only found in the north and west of the country due to severe population declines. Over the last couple of decades, however, it has been doing very well and can now be found almost everywhere in the UK. Listen out for its cat-like,'kee-yaaa' calls as it soars in high circles over grassland, farmland and woodlands. buzzards eat small birds, mammals and carrion, but will also eat large insects and earthworms when prey is in short supply.
How to identify
Buzzards are the most frequently seen medium-sized birds of prey. They have broader wings and shorter tails than the harriers or Red Kite. Their plumage can vary from a uniform dark brown to much paler shades. Photo by Nick Dobbs, Bournemouth, Dorset 12-12-17