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Buzzard

Buzzard is a common name applied to several birds of prey, especially species in the genus Buteo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Buzzard is a common name applied to several birds of prey, especially species in the genus Buteo. In the United Kingdom, it usually refers to the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), a widespread medium-sized raptor. In North America, the word may also refer to New World vultures, especially the turkey vulture, which differs from the true buzzards of the Old World.

Name and classification

Buzzard is a broad common name, but in the UK it usually refers to the common buzzard, Buteo buteo. True buzzards belong to the hawk family Accipitridae, within the genus Buteo.

Appearance and behaviour

Common buzzards are medium-sized raptors with broad wings, a short neck and tail, and variable plumage. They often glide in a shallow V-shape and fan the tail when soaring.

Habitat and range

The common buzzard lives in woodland, farmland, uplands, and other open habitats. It is now widespread across most of the UK and occurs across much of Europe and parts of northwestern Asia.

Diet and feeding

Buzzards are opportunistic predators and scavengers. They eat small mammals, birds, insects, earthworms, and carrion, and may also take prey such as rabbits and rodents.

Conservation status

The common buzzard experienced major declines in the UK from persecution and pesticide poisoning, but has since recovered strongly. It is now classified as Green in the UK and Least Concern globally.

Key facts

  • In British English, “buzzard” most often means the common buzzard, Buteo buteo.
  • The common buzzard is the UK’s most common and widespread bird of prey.
  • Buzzards have broad rounded wings, a short tail, and highly variable plumage.
  • Their diet includes small mammals, birds, insects, earthworms, and carrion.
  • The species has recovered strongly after declines from persecution and pesticides.
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Canadian context

In Canada, “buzzard” is less precise than in British usage and may be used informally for some raptors or scavengers; in scientific and wildlife contexts, Canadian English generally uses the species name or the more specific common name.

Frequently asked questions

What is a buzzard?
A buzzard is a common name for several birds of prey, especially species in the genus Buteo. In the UK, it usually means the common buzzard, Buteo buteo.
What does a common buzzard look like?
It is a medium-sized raptor with broad rounded wings, a short tail, and variable brown plumage; some birds are much paler than others.
What do buzzards eat?
They eat small mammals, birds, insects, earthworms, and carrion, and they may also take rabbits and rodents.
Where do buzzards live?
Common buzzards use woodland, farmland, uplands, and open countryside, and they are now widespread across much of the UK.
Are buzzards endangered?
No. The common buzzard is listed as Least Concern globally and is considered Green in UK conservation assessments.
Why is the word “buzzard” confusing?
Because it is used differently by region: in the UK it usually means a Buteo hawk, while in North America it can refer to New World vultures.

References

  1. Bird of Prey Project — https://birdofpreyproject.org/common-buzzard-fun-facts/
    Supports: Buzzards are common birds of prey in the UK and occupy varied habitats.
  2. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds — https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/buzzard
    Supports: Common buzzard appearance, behaviour, habitat, and diet.
  3. The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/birds-prey/buzzard
    Supports: Scientific name, size, range in the UK, diet, and conservation status.
  4. Hawk and Owl Trust — https://hawkandowltrust.org/learn-and-discover/about-birds-of-prey/buzzard
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, habitat, diet, size, and status.
  5. John Moore Museum — https://www.johnmooremuseum.org/the-buzzard-buteo-buteo/
    Supports: UK status as a common and widespread bird of prey and breeding distribution.
  6. British Trust for Ornithology — https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/buzzard
    Supports: Scientific name and bird facts reference for buzzard.
  7. Trees for Life — https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/trees-plants-animals/birds/common-buzzard/
    Supports: Range, conservation status, family, and ecology of the common buzzard.
  8. Woodland Trust — https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/birds/buzzard/
    Supports: Habitat, diet, appearance, and conservation context.