La Buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitrids. With a wingspan that can exceed 120 cm and a body length of 50 to 60 cm, the buzzard is easily recognized by its robust appearance and variable plumage. Its dominant color is brown, with a pale underside and a relatively small head relative to the body. The underside of the wings and tail sometimes have darker streaks, while the upper part is generally dark brown or brown, sometimes with reddish hues, particularly in more northern populations.
The common buzzard is a diurnal and sedentary bird of prey that prefers open environments such as fields, heaths, meadows and forests with free space for flight. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, insects and sometimes reptiles, which it captures through slow and precise gliding flight. The buzzard is famous for its hunting behavior in which it often remains motionless in flight, "arcing," watching the ground below in search of prey.
This species is widespread throughout Europe, parts of Asia and parts of North Africa. During breeding season, the buzzard builds its nest in trees or on rocky ledges, where it lays 2 to 3 eggs, which are incubated mainly by the female. The young remain in the nest for several weeks before becoming independent.
The common buzzard is a robust bird with a stable and widely distributed population. Although the species is generally protected, it is locally threatened by alterations to its habitat, such as agricultural intensification or deforestation. However, due to its adaptability, it is still relatively abundant in many regions.
Taxidermied buzzard specimen with wings open and resting on a wooden stand. This is an adult individual whose sex it belongs to is unclear; the object is in fair state of preservation although it shows some alterations.
The buzzard is 51 to 57 cm long with a wingspan of 110 to 140 cm while its weight is between 520 to 1000 g for the male and 700 to 1300 g for the female, making it a medium-sized predator. It is a compactly shaped raptor with broad, rounded wings and a rather short tail. Coloration is dark brown above and highly variable below; usually the lower surface of the wings is lightly barred blackish brown with a dark spot at the wrist and a light shaded area in the center, while the tail has numerous thin dark bars. In flight the head appears recessed between the shoulders and the wings are held slightly elevated (open "V"-shaped frontal profile). Laid down it appears squat with the head recessed between the shoulders.
Association “Storia Natura e Vita”
Piazza Camozzi, 2
22010 Grandola ed Uniti (CO) – Italy
VAT ID: IT 03290790132
Tax ID: 93007310134
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Project implemented with the support of the PR FESR 2021-2027 of the Lombardy Region, Bando Innovacultura
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