One of the most widespread and adaptable birds of prey in Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. Often seen soaring in wide circles high above fields or perched on fence posts and tree branches, the buzzard is a familiar sight in countryside landscapes, particularly in open farmland, woodland edges, grasslands, and even urban parks. Though it may not have the size or dramatic flair of an eagle, the common buzzard is a master of survival and subtle beauty.
One of its most interesting features is its highly variable plumage. Buzzards can be pale cream, chocolate brown, or almost black, with many shades and patterns in between. This variation often makes identification tricky, but their broad, rounded wings, short neck, and slow, circling flight are telltale signs.
The common buzzard is an opportunistic predator and scavenger, feeding on a wide range of food depending on availability. Its diet includes small mammals like voles and rabbits, birds, reptiles, amphibians, large insects, and carrion. It hunts by soaring and scanning the ground, or by perching quietly and ambushing prey with a quick, powerful dive.
Though once heavily persecuted in parts of Europe due to the mistaken belief that they threatened game birds or livestock, common buzzards have recovered strongly in recent decades thanks to legal protection and reforestation. They are now one of the most common raptors in many areas, and their slow, circling flight and mewing calls—often compared to a cat’s cry—are familiar to nature lovers across the continent.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Botswana
Bulgaria
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
China
Congo-Brazzaville
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Denmark
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malawi
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turkey
UAE
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
