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.



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.


Photo: © Dennis Olsen
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. 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.


Text and photos: © Arthur Grosset.