One of the most common raptor species in Europe, this medium-sized bird of prey is recognisable for its rounded head and tail, broad wings and soaring, circling flight. While the common buzzard’s plumage is usually brown, the exact colouration and patterning is highly variable, with shades such as blackish-brown, reddish-brown and pale whitish-brown all potentially exhibited. The upperparts are darker then the underparts, and the wingtip and trailing edge of the wing are also noticeably darker than the rest of the wing feathers. Both the tail and flight feathers are barred, and the throat and breast may be streaked. The call of this species is a mewing “pee-yow”.

The International Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park, Helmsley North Yorkshire, regularly fly the Common Buzzard as part of their flying demonstrations