All species
resident
Least ConcernBuzzards and hawks
Common Buzzard
The most common and widespread soaring raptor in the United Kingdom, now found in every county. Buzzards have broad, rounded wings and a mewing call.
Buteo buteo
Woodland Farmland Moorland
Size
51-57 cm
Wingspan
110-130 cm
Weight
550-1,000 g
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Small mammals, rabbits, carrion and worms; often seen soaring on thermals.
Song & Call
A distinctive mewing 'pee-ah' call, often given while soaring.
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Speed
Visualizer
Recording by Benoît Van Hecke · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
How to identify
- Broad rounded wings
- Soaring flight with raised wings
- Mewing call
Conservation
Least Concern
Recovered strongly after persecution; now a familiar sight over countryside.
