Common Buzzard (Eurasian Buzzard)

The Common Buzzard is a medium-to-large bird of prey with broad, rounded wings and a short tail. Known for soaring in wide circles on thermals, it has highly variable plumage ranging from pale cream to dark chocolate brown.

Rich earth-brown base with distinct dark brown transverse barring across the vane, fading to mottled white and pale brown towards the base of the inner web.

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, featuring a sturdy pennaceous structure and a small, soft plumulaceous base.

Strong, stout, pale whitish-cream central rachis with a flattened upper surface and rounded underside. Barbs are densely packed and uniform.

Stiff and smooth with a matte finish, designed to withstand high aerodynamic pressure during soaring and flight.

Secondary flight feather from the wing, determined by the broad shape, subtle asymmetry, and lack of severe tapering found in primaries.

Distinctive dark brown horizontal banding pattern against a lighter brown and buff background, with a robust whitish central shaft.

Inhabits a wide variety of open country, woodlands, moorlands, and agricultural land, frequently seen soaring over fields and hillsides.

Widespread across Europe and parts of Asia, extending into the UK where it is the most common and widespread diurnal raptor.

Acts as an apex avian predator controlling small mammal populations and serving as a key indicator of woodland and farmland health.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk or Honey Buzzard; distinguished by broader barring and rounded tips characteristic of the Buteo genus.

Despite their name and cat-like mewing call, Buzzards are true hawks and feed primarily on small mammals like field voles, as well as earthworms and carrion.

Feathers from raptors like the buzzard have historical uses in native crafts and fly-tying, though modern possession is regulated.

Look along woodland edges and open pastures where buzzards frequently perch on fence posts or soar overhead during summer months.

Good condition with intact barbs, minor wear at the very tip, indicating it was naturally molted.

Uk Cornwall