Likely Common Buzzard (also Eurasian Buzzard); identification is uncertain from this damaged feather alone.

The specimen is a pale, barred raptor feather in poor condition. A Common Buzzard is a medium-large, broad-winged raptor with highly variable brown plumage, soaring flight, and a familiar mewing call.

Buff to gray-brown with dark brown transverse mottling or barring. Wear and damage make the original pattern and surface orientation difficult to assess.

Pennaceous vane with interlocking barbs, now extensively separated and torn; no clear aftershaft is visible.

Pale, slender rachis with brown patterned barbs; much of the vane is missing, especially near the tip and edges.

Appears matte and worn, with loose, ragged barbs; texture cannot be assessed by sight alone.

Probably wing, based on its elongated vane and apparent asymmetry; a body feather cannot be excluded.

Pale ground color, dark barring, and apparent flight-feather shape fit a buzzard-like raptor, but are not diagnostic enough for secure species identification.

Common Buzzards use woodland edges, farmland, pasture, and open country, often nesting in trees and hunting from perches or while soaring.

Widespread across Europe, including Poland, and parts of Asia; many Polish birds are resident, while some northern and eastern populations migrate.

A predator of rodents and other small animals, the Common Buzzard is widespread and adaptable. Raptor populations are affected by habitat change, persecution, and poisoning.

Rough-legged Buzzard and other raptors can have similarly barred feathers; feather position, measurements, and comparison with verified references are needed to distinguish them.

Common Buzzards soar on broad wings and show exceptionally variable plumage, from very pale to nearly dark brown.

Raptor feathers have cultural and artistic uses, but possession or trade may be restricted; do not sell or keep this wild-found feather without checking Polish and EU rules.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and retain the location/date. Compare intact patterns and feather dimensions with regional feather guides; avoid relying on color alone.

Poor: extensive vane loss and fraying; no clear evidence of active growth or a specific cause of damage.

Europa Poland near Tułowice in forest