Download PDF Fact Sheet

The Common Buzzard is found throughout Europe & Russia, spreading down to Turkey & the Northern tip of Africa. It is one of the most common and widespread birds of prey in Britain.

The preferred habitat of Common Buzzards is open countryside with small areas of woodland or the edges of more densely wooded areas. A dramatic increase in population finds them closer to populated areas, where they can scavenge waste.

Common Buzzards prey mainly on small rodents & mammals, though they will take reptiles, amphibians, large insects, invertebrates & young birds. They will also feed on carrion, preferring ‘still hunting’, sitting on a post, looking for food. Buzzards will also use wind-hovering to find their prey but are generally found searching for beetles & earthworms on the ground.