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Common buzzard Facts

Common buzzard Facts
Common buzzard is a bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family (diurnal birds of prey). There are 11 subspecies of common buzzard that can be found in Europe, Asia and northern parts of Africa. Common buzzard usually inhabits hedgerows, woodlands, moorlands and lowland farms, but it can be also found in the mountains. Major threats for the survival of common buzzard are unintentional poisoning (via poison baits that are set for other animals), lack of food and persecution (by gamekeepers). Common buzzard was nearly wiped out from the UK during the 1950s due to sharp decline in the food sources. Luckily, it managed to survive and recuperate and become one of the most numerous and widespread raptors in Europe.
Interesting Common buzzard Facts:
Common buzzard can reach 16 to 23 inches in length and 0.94 to 3 pounds of weight.
Common buzzard can be completely white, reddish-brown or blackish-brown and covered with various light and dark markings. Bottom side of the body is pale, tips of the wings dark-colored and tail barred.
Common buzzard has rounded head, curved beak, short neck and tail and broad wings.
Common buzzard has a wingspan of 4 to 5 feet and soaring, circling flight. It is not popular in falconry because of its lazy nature and slow learning (it takes a lot of time to learn to fly at the bait).
Common buzzard is a carnivore. Its diet is based on mice, voles, rats, rabbits and various birds such as pheasants and puffins. It also eats insects and worms.
Some populations of common buzzard spend entire year in the same area, while other migrate to the south before the winter. Common buzzard often travels in flocks of around 30 birds during migration.
Natural enemies of common buzzard are eagles, foxes and wildcats.
Common buzzard is solitary except during the breeding season which takes place between March and May.
Males twist and turn in the air while they fly up and down, to impress females. This aerial dance is known as "the roller coaster".
Common buzzards form monogamous couples that last for a lifetime. Each pair constructs nest in a tree, usually at the edge of the forest, using the sticks and leaves.
Female lays 2 to 4 eggs. Male doesn't participate in the incubation of eggs which lasts 33 to 38 days.
Female takes care of the chicks, while male provides food for her and the chicks while they are in the nest (first few weeks after hatching).
Young birds leave nest at the age of 45 days and learn to fly shortly afterwards. They depend on their parents for at least 6 to 8 weeks after fledging.
Common buzzards reach sexual maturity at the age of 3 years.
Common buzzard can survive up to 25 years in the wild.


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