| Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
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The Common Buzzard is found throughout most of Europe and northern Asia into Japan. While it is resident all year round in central and western Europe as well as Japan, it is migratory elsewhere with the Asian populations wintering in eastern and southern Africa, China and Indo-china. It is one of the most common raptors in these areas and is generally easy to see whether perched or flying. |
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It thrives in a variety of habitats but requires some sort of tree cover for its nest. It feeds on small mammals such as voles and rabbits, nestlings and fledglings, lizards, etc., and is also a scavenger frequently to be seen at road-kills. It can find its prey by gliding or soaring but more commonly catches its prey dropping down from a perch on a branch, rock or fence-post. | |
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It has very variable plumage but almost always shows a pale band across the lower chest. In flight it shows broad wings and a short tail often fanned out. | |
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This shot shows a juvenile bird which lacks the broader, dark terminal tail band of the adult | |
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