Common Buzzard

Buteo buteo

The buzzard is the most common bird of prey in UK. Its large size (wingspan of over a metre) distinguishes it from other hawks, however it is considerably smaller than an eagle, with which it is often confused.

The buzzard is a slow flier and unlikely to catch prey on the wing, however it is a patient predator and its markings provide excellent camouflage which enable it to sit in trees for hours waiting for a small rodents to pass.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Discover more about the Common Buzzard

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Buzzards can be seen all year round and are active during the day. They are most seen during the spring when they are calling and displaying.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Throughout Scotland, regularly seen on the wing or on fence posts next to roads. They are found in most habitats, woodland, grasslands, moorland and farmland. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They can often be seen sitting in fields as they stamp their feet on the ground to attract earthworms, to eat.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Golden Eagle

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Buzzards can be seen all year round and are active during the day. They are most seen during the spring when they are calling and displaying.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Throughout Scotland, regularly seen on the wing or on fence posts next to roads. They are found in most habitats, woodland, grasslands, moorland and farmland. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They can often be seen sitting in fields as they stamp their feet on the ground to attract earthworms, to eat.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Golden Eagle

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Buzzards can be seen all year round and are active during the day. They are most seen during the spring when they are calling and displaying.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Throughout Scotland, regularly seen on the wing or on fence posts next to roads. They are found in most habitats, woodland, grasslands, moorland and farmland. 

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They can often be seen sitting in fields as they stamp their feet on the ground to attract earthworms, to eat.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Golden Eagle

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation

Oly Hemmings and Pete Creech have combined their natural history knowledge to provide a face-to-face wildlife interpretation service.  Housed in a...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification Training

If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking in our Scottish National Parks, or to feel confident that...
Read more >

Misty Isle Boat Trips

Welcome to Misty Isle Boat Trips. We are a family-run business running boat trips from Elgol on the Isle of Skye to the famous Loch Coruisk in the...
Read more >

SeatrekScotland

SeatrekScotland provides snorkelling, coasteering, seatrekking, wild swimming and coastal walking experiences.  Lochaber's coastline is brimming wi...
Read more >

Hidden Glen Safaris

Why not join us for a 4wd safari through the stunning landscape of Balquhidder Glen and  Highland Perthshire. We have access onto some local estate...
Read more >

42Cycling

EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLANDS ON TWO WHEELS WITH 42CYCLING Unveil the enchanting beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you pedal through its wonders with...
Read more >

Highland Wildlife and Birdwatch Safaris

Imagine...Golden Eagles soaring in secluded glens; Osprey fishing over picturesque lochs; Crested Tits and Crossbills flitting amongst Caledonian p...
Read more >

Loch Shiel Cruises

Over the past 24 years there have been over 50 species of birds observed from the boat, the crew and skipper of MV Sileas keep a keen eye out for a...
Read more >

Islay Glamping Pods

Onsite we have five self-contained and well-presented glamping pods, two recently refurbished bothies, and a cosy cottage that families and larger...
Read more >

Starfish Travel

You can leave Scotland with your feet but never with your heart
Read more >
1 2