Common buzzard

Description

The common buzzard measures between 40 and 58 cm (16 and 23 in) in length with a 109–140 cm (43–55 in) wingspan and a body mass of 427–1,364 g (0.941–3.007 lb),making it a medium-sized raptor.This broad-winged raptor has a wide variety of plumages,and in Europe can be confused with the similar rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus) and the distantly related European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus),which mimics the common buzzard's plumage for a degree of protection from northern goshawks.[citation needed] The plumage can vary in Britain from almost pure white to black,but is usually shades of brown,with a pale 'necklace' of feathers.Of the two eastern subspecies,B.b.vulpinus breeds from east Europe eastward to the Far East (including Eastern China and South Asia),excluding Japan,while B.b.menetriesi breeds in the Southern Crimea and Caucasus to northern Iran.B.b.vulpinus is a long-distance migrant,excepting some north Himalayan birds,and winters in Africa,India and southeastern Asia.In the open country favoured on the wintering grounds,steppe buzzards are often seen perched on roadside telephone poles.The steppe buzzard is some times split off as a separate species,B.vulpinus.Compared to the nominate form,it is slightly smaller (45–50 cm (18–20 in) long),longer winged and longer tailed.The two colour morphs are the rufous form which gives this subspecies its scientific name (vulpes is Latin for "fox") and a dark grey form.The tail of B.vulpinus is paler than the nominate form,and often quite rufous,recalling North American red-tailed hawk.The upper wings have pale primary patches,and the primary flight feathers are also paler when viewed from below.Adults have a black trailing edge to the wings,and both morphs often have plain underparts,lacking the breast band frequently seen in B.b.buteo