Out of The Sun, Into The Wind

Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The buzzard is a large bird of prey and unmistakable as it soars with its wings outstretched revealing its distinctive paler undersides, screaming out above the landscape. It has dark brown upper parts and a pale “U” across its middle. They can grow up to 57cm in length.

It feeds on small mammals, invertebrates, some other birds, also on dead meat, mainly road-kills. Its nest is formed from sticks in a tree or at the base of a bush on a cliff ledge. The female lays 2-4 eggs in 1 brood from March-June. They can live for up to 25 years.

Seen all year round, overs woods, farmland, hills, grasslands, and moorland. Often seen perched on telephone poles and gate posts. The Buzzard is Britain’s commonest and widespread bird of prey, and is now breeding in every county.