| Buzzard - Buteo buteo - Family: Falconidae
 Buzzard - Buteo buteo© Dr Chris Gibson/English NatureThe commonest large bird of prey, often seen soaring in the sky in fine weather, buzzards have stout bodies, broad wings and a short broad tail. Plumage varies but the upper body tends to be dark brown and the lower body pale with darker barring. The male is slightly smaller than the female. There is still only a slim chance of seeing a buzzard in - or even from - your garden, unless you live in one of the western counties, particularly those close to large areas of woodland. However, buzzards have been extending their range eastwards from their strongholds in Wales, south-western England and Cumbria for more than 20 years and are now breeding regularly in some midland and southern counties, albeit in rather small numbers so far. They are also starting to be seen more frequently even in parts of the south-east. Their main habitat includes woodlands, uplands, moors and farmland but they are increasingly seen around towns. Buzzards breed in late spring, nesting in trees or on cliff ledges and raising 3-4 chicks. FoodFeeds mostly on carrion such as dead rabbits, but will also take rodents, small birds, reptiles, amphibians and even worms. PreyBank vole, Common earthworm, Common frog, Common shrew, Common toad, Grass snake, Mallard, Moorhen, Pheasant, Rabbit, Slow-worm, Stock dove, Water vole, Wood mouse, Woodpigeon, Yellow-necked mouse |
