Buzzard

Buzzard, common name used in most of the English-speaking world for about 25 species of hawks in the genus Buteo. The term is widely applied in North America to the smaller species of New World vultures, especially the turkey vulture. Birdwatchers use “buteo” as a collective common name to distinguish these birds from other hawks. Buzzards have relatively broad wings and short tails, and spend much time soaring. Most feed on mammals (such as rabbits and voles), but some species prefer reptiles and amphibians, some feed on other birds, and smaller species eat insects.

The best-known Eurasian species is the common buzzard, with a wingspan of about 1 m (3 ft). It is highly variable in colour, but is usually dark brown above with a barred tail, and barred and blotched underparts. The rough-legged buzzard of northern Europe is usually darker in colour and hovers when hunting. The most common North American buteo is the red-tailed hawk, found from Alaska to Central America. Adults have rufous tails and dark brown upperparts; the underparts vary from almost white to chocolate-brown. The nest, of sticks, is built high up in trees. Three or four eggs are usually laid in early spring; they are dull white, often heavily marked with brown.

Scientific classification: Buzzards make up the genus Buteo of the family Accipitridae, order Falconiformes. The turkey vulture belongs to the family Cathartidae and is classified as Cathartes aura. The common buzzard is classified as Buteo buteo, the rough-legged buzzard as Buteo lagopus, and the red-tailed hawk as Buteo jamaicensis.