Buzzards are large, soaring birds of prey that belong to the genus Buteo. There are around 28 species of buzzard found worldwide, with some of the most common being the red-tailed buzzard, common buzzard, and rough-legged buzzard. Buzzards are opportunistic predators that feed mainly on small mammals, carrion, and reptiles. They are distinguishable from other raptors by their broad wings, short necks, and overall bulky body shape. While identification can sometimes be tricky for novice birdwatchers, there are several key physical characteristics and behaviors that can help you determine whether or not a soaring bird is a buzzard.
What are the identifying features of a buzzard?
When trying to identify a buzzard, the first thing to look for is the bird’s overall large, stocky shape and broad wings. A buzzard in flight will have relatively wide, rounded wings and a short, fanned tail. The wings are held in a pronounced dihedral, meaning they have an upward v-shape when seen from below. Compared to hawks and eagles, buzzards have a shorter, thicker neck and a larger head.
Some other physical features that can help distinguish buzzards include:
- Large, hook-tipped beak
- Small head feathers that stick out to form a slight crest
- Yellow cere (fleshy tissue at the base of the upper beak)
- Reddish plumage, especially on the tail and wing feathers
- Dark belly band contrasting with a paler chest
- Pale eyes
The extent of red or rufous coloration depends on the age and species. Juvenile buzzards tend to show less red hues until they mature. When in flight, the broad, fanned tail and broad wings held in a V-shape are usually the most recognizable features.
How does a buzzard fly and soar?
A buzzard’s flight style is also helpful for identification. Buzzards are masters of soaring and often ride thermals in circles to gain altitude, holding their wings flat or slightly uptilted. When flapping, they have slow, rowing wingbeats interspersed with short glides. In general, buzzard flight can be characterized as:
- Slow, patient soaring and circling
- Broad, rounded wings held flat or slightly uptilted
- Short glides between flaps when active flight
- Wings held in pronounced dihedral V-shape when viewed from below
This contrasts with the flapping-gliding pattern seen in hawks and falcons, which use quicker wingbeats and longer glides. Eagles and vultures also soar extensively like buzzards, but can be differentiated by their larger size, slimmer wings, and longer tail and neck. A buzzard in flight tends to have a lumbering, heavy feel compared to other raptors.
Where are buzzards found?
Habitat can provide another helpful clue when identifying buzzards. Some buzzard species like red-tailed buzzards and common buzzards thrive in open country with scattered woods and elevated perches like telephone poles or fence posts. They frequent grasslands, meadows, farmland, and semi-open forests across much of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Other species like rough-legged buzzards inhabit Arctic and subarctic tundra environments, while forest buzzards occupy dense, mountainous forests. Roadside carrion and mammalian prey like rabbits, rodents, and squirrels attract buzzards to habitat edges bordering open and wooded areas. In general, watch for buzzards in rural settings with a mix of open ground for hunting and scattered trees, posts, or other perches.
What do buzzards eat?
Buzzards are opportunistic foragers and will feed on a wide variety of prey based on availability. However, they do exhibit some key feeding behaviors that aid in identification:
- Scavenging on carrion from roadkill and dead animals
- Swooping down from a perch to capture live prey
- Soaring over open ground while searching for prey below
- Frequently feeding on the ground
- Sometimes follows wildfires to feed on insects and reptiles
Buzzards have a more varied, omnivorous diet compared to more specialized hunters like falcons. They regularly feed on carrion and will congregate in groups around available food sources. Their willingness to eat dead animals and feed on the ground separates them from hawks and eagles, which strictly hunt live prey.
What calls or sounds do buzzards make?
The vocalizations of buzzards are generally weaker and higher-pitched compared to those of eagles and some hawks. They lack the drawn-out, piercing cries characteristic of red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks. When interacting at roosts or feeding sites, buzzards may make rattling, raspy croaking noises. Alarm calls sound like a hoarse, rapid croaking. Because they are usually solitary hunters, buzzards are generally quieter than other sociable raptors.
Some characteristic buzzard calls include:
- Raspy croaks or rattling when interacting at the nest or roost sites
- Short, hoarse alarm croaks when alerting others
- Weak, high-pitched squeals or whistles
- Generally quieter than more vocal hawks and eagles
The shrill whistles made near the nest help identify cavity-nesting species like common buzzards. While subtle, listening for raspy croaking or squealing can provide helpful clues when paired with sightings.
How can you differentiate buzzards from hawks and eagles?
There are a few key differences to note when distinguishing buzzards from hawks and eagles:
Compared to hawks
| Buzzards | Hawks |
|---|---|
| Larger and bulkier build | Slimmer profile |
| Broader wings and tail | Longer, narrower wings and tail |
| Slower, rowing wingbeats | Faster, more powerful wingbeats |
| More extensive gliding and soaring | More flapping with shorter glides |
| Dark hoods; small head crest | Lighter hooded appearance; lack crest |
Compared to eagles:
| Buzzards | Eagles |
|---|---|
| Smaller size | Larger and heavier |
| Shorter wings and tail | Longer wings and wedge-shaped tail |
| More sluggish flight | Powerful, smooth flight style |
| Usually perches lower down | Perches prominently at the tops of trees |
| Carrion and small prey | Mostly live, large prey like fish and waterfowl |
Conclusion
Identifying buzzards comes down to observing the right combination of features, including their bulky shape, broad wings, soaring flight, open country habitat, vocalizations, and feeding behavior. Focusing on these physical and behavioral characteristics will help distinguish them from similar raptors like hawks and eagles. With practice, birdwatchers can recognize the leisurely, circling flight of a common buzzard or red-tailed hawk, and appreciate these unique birds of prey. Sightings may also be confirmed with the help of field guides and birding reference apps that can be used to compare size, markings, and diagnostic traits.
