| Common Buzzard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | Buteo buteo |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The common buzzard (buteo buteo) is a common bird of prey.
Etymology[]
The word "buzzard" comes from Middle English bosart which is borrowed from Anglo-Norman buisart which is derived from Old French buison, buson which is derived from Latin būteō which is imitative of the buzzard's cry.
Description[]
The common buzzard is a fairly easy bird to recognize and distinguish. It has a very variable plumage coloriation: from very dark brown, light brown, brown and white to leucistic or albino. There's always a "V" shaped patch of feathers on the breast. Wings are broad and rounded, with a white, brown streaked patch on the underwing. The tail is rounded and quite short. In might be mistaked for a golden eagle in flight, however, golden eagles have longer tail and longer, more squared wings. There's no sexual dimorphism.
Behavior[]
The buzzard is a very adaptable bird. It is found in mountains, lowlands and even suburban areas, and hunts in forests and meadows. When it hunts, this bird soars high over its territory it is capable of flying at the same heights of the golden eagle) or perchs on a tree waiting for prey. It sometimes flies together with vultures, so animals mistake it for a carrion-eating bird and don't escape, becoming easier to catch. The buzzard eats mainly small rodents, especially mice, rats and voles, but also rabbits and hares. It occasionally takes birds, reptiles and insects, and sometimes carrion (expecially in winter, when live prey is harder to find). It makes a twig nest on a tree. The chicks are semi-nidiculous.
