The Buzzard is also known as the Common Buzzard and is a member of the Falcon family which include the Peregrine, the Kestrel and the Merlin. The Buzzard is a bird of prey and a medium-sized raptor. It has a wingspan of about one hundred and twenty centimetres and its wings are broad and rounded. When the Buzzard flies, the tips of the wings look like they have long extended fingers.

Buzzards are powerful and majestic-looking even though they are not that colourful. They are predominantly brown coloured birds. A Buzzard can often be recognised by its cream coloured crescent-shaped marking on its breast and by its powerful, short, hooked beak.

Buzzards can be seen in the open country near woodlands and also on farmland which has trees and hedges. They like to spend a lot of time perching on tree branches, posts and fences waiting for any unsuspecting prey to pass by. Buzzards can also be seen gliding and soaring in the air with their wings held out in a shallow ‘V’ shape. As they soar and glide, they scan the ground for food such as rabbits, rats, mice, young hares, moles, voles and weasels.