ExploreBirds

Common Buzzard

Buteo buteo

The Common Buzzard is a large bird that can often be seen soaring in the sky! It has a mix of brown and white feathers that help it blend in with its surroundings.

Habitat: Fields, forests, and hills

Appearance

The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor with broad, rounded wings and a relatively short tail. Its plumage is highly variable, typically mottled brown with lighter undersides and a dark trailing edge on its wings, distinguishing it from falcons by its stockier build.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusButeo
Common Buzzard
wildlife trait badgefeathered trait badgeaerial trait badgescavenger trait badge
Common Buzzard

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

14

Interesting facts

Buzzards build large nests high in trees or on rocky cliffs!

Sometimes they even walk on the ground to catch juicy worms!

Their 'mewing' call sounds just like a cat begging for food!

They are often seen sitting on fence posts, waiting patiently for prey.

Special abilities

Ability

Super Soarer

Common Buzzards can soar effortlessly on thermal currents because this saves energy while they search for food below.

Ability

Eagle Eye

The Common Buzzard has incredible vision that helps them spot tiny prey from very high up in the sky.

Ability

Stealthy Hunter

Common Buzzards can drop silently from a perch because their soft feathers allow for noiseless flight to surprise prey.

Measurements & details

Length
50-57 cm
Wingspan
110-130 cm
Weight
0.7-1.4 kg
Lifespan
6-25 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
30-38 days

Diet & Feeding

Common Buzzards are skilled hunters who eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even insects.

Primary Foods

  • voles
  • mice
  • shrews
  • rabbits
  • small birds
  • frogs

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

BuzzardEuropean Buzzard

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Buzzard?

The easiest way to identify Common Buzzard is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Common Buzzard?

50-57 cm

What is Common Buzzard's wingspan?

110-130 cm

How much does Common Buzzard weigh?

0.7-1.4 kg

How long does Common Buzzard live?

6-25 years

How fast can Common Buzzard move?

50 km/h

What does Common Buzzard eat?

Common Buzzards are skilled hunters who eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even insects.

Where is Common Buzzard usually found?

Fields, forests, and hills

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park place preview
Zoo23 sightings18 species

England, UK

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Family Friendly, Conservation, Endangered Species, Wheelchair Accessible, Outdoor, Educational, Wildlife Photography, Animal Encounters.

You might spot Red Panda, European Lynx, and Emperor Tamarin.

View guide

Zoo Berlin place preview
Zoo29 sightings17 species

Berlin, DE

Zoo Berlin

Zoo, Wildlife, Conservation, Family Friendly, Accessible, Education, Berlin, Historic, Aquarium, Photography.

You might spot Polar Bear, Ursus Thibetanus, and Sloth Bear.

View guide

Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno place preview
Zoo15 sightings13 species

Spain, ES

Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno

Wildlife Conservation, Nature Park, Semi Freedom Animals, Family Friendly, Cable Car, Scenic Views, Endangered Species, Educational Experiences, Karstic Landscape, Road Trip

You might spot European Bison, Asian Elephant, and Tiger.

View guide

Zoo am Meer place preview
Zoo20 sightings13 species

Bremen, DE

Zoo am Meer

Coastal Zoo, Animal Encounters, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Conservation, Polar Animals, Marine Life, Underwater Viewing, Dog Friendly, North Sea Aquarium.

You might spot Black-Headed Gull and Lesser Black-Backed Gull.

View guide

Colchester Zoo place preview
Zoo18 sightings12 species

England, UK

Colchester Zoo

Accessible and Animal Encounters

You might spot African Lion, Komodo Dragon, and Common Ostrich.

View guide

Pairi Daiza place preview
Zoo30 sightings10 species

Hainaut, BE

Pairi Daiza

Family Friendly, Zoo, Botanical Garden, Immersive Experience, Wildlife Conservation, Animal Encounters, Themed Worlds, Wheelchair Accessible, Cultural Destination, Overnight Stay, Endangered Species.

You might spot Gray Wolf, Wombats, and White Stork.

View guide

More Birds