The buzzard, known as Buteo buteo, is a bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family. It is found across Europe and parts of Asia. The plumage of the buzzard can vary significantly, ranging from dark brown to almost white, with various patterns of brown and white on the underparts.
Home or Habitat.
The natural home and environment of this bird are versatile and capable of adapting to a range of habitats. It covers woodlands, farmlands, moorlands, and even suburban areas. Buzzards preferred living in those areas with a mix of open ground and wooded areas, which provide ample opportunities for hunting and nesting.
Food.
The food of the buzzard is mixed and varied depending on the availability of prey. It primarily feeds on small mammals such as voles, mice, and rabbits. However, it is also known to eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Buzzards are opportunistic hunters and may also feed on carrion when live prey is scarce. They typically hunt by soaring over open ground or by perching and scanning the area for movement.
Techniques of Hunting.
Buzzards engage in a variety of hunting techniques. Eagles often soar high in the sky, using thermal currents to conserve energy while they search for prey.. When they spot potential prey, they may dive down to catch it. Buzzards often perch on a tree or post, waiting for the right moment to swoop down on unsuspecting prey.
Breeding
The breeding season for buzzards mostly begins in early spring. They build big nests made of sticks, often in trees or on cliff edges. The female usually lies between two to four eggs, which she hatches for about 33 to 35 days. Both parents are involved in raising the chicks, which fledge about 50 to 55 days after incubating. Juvenile buzzard depends upon their parents for several weeks after fledging as they learn to hunt and survive on their own.
Deportment.
Buzzards are generally lived in loneliness and they fly in pairs during the breeding season.
But out of the breeding weather, they flew in groups, especially far from ears in search of food. Buzzards make a distinctive mewing call, which is often heard when they soar high in the sky.
Prevention status.
Commonly Buzzard is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population is rapidly increasing under the legal protection and changes in land use that have created more suitable habitats.
Conclusion.
Overall, the buzzard is a fascinating bird of prey with a wide range of behaviors and adaptations that allow it to thrive in various environments. Its presence is often a sign of a healthy ecosystem, as it plays a crucial role in controlling the populations of small mammals and other prey species.