The term “buzzard” can be a source of confusion, as it refers to different birds depending on geographical location. In Europe, “buzzard” commonly refers to the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). In North America, however, birds often called “buzzards” are actually vultures. This article focuses on the nesting behaviors of the Common Buzzard, exploring their preferred habitats, nest construction, and breeding cycle.
Preferred Nesting Habitats
Common Buzzards exhibit flexibility in their choice of nesting sites, favoring locations that offer security and proximity to hunting grounds. They frequently build nests in large, mature trees, often positioned at the edge of woodlands that border open fields, meadows, or heathlands. These trees provide concealment and a sturdy platform, with nests typically found high up, sometimes 25 meters from the ground, often in a strong fork or near the trunk. Both coniferous and deciduous trees are suitable.
In regions where tall trees are scarce, Common Buzzards nest on rocky cliffs and crags. These offer sheltered ledges or crevices for nest placement, particularly in mountainous or coastal areas. Ground nesting occurs in environments lacking suitable arboreal or cliff-side alternatives, or in areas with dense vegetation. Buzzards have also been observed nesting on human-made structures like abandoned buildings, though this is rare.
Nest Characteristics and Construction
A Common Buzzard’s nest is a robust structure, built to withstand the elements and support growing chicks. Nests are large, constructed primarily from sticks and branches gathered by both the male and female. A newly built nest can measure about 1 meter in diameter and 60 centimeters deep.
The inner cup of the nest is lined with softer materials for insulation and comfort for the eggs and young. Common lining materials include grass, moss, wool, leaves, and pine needles or heather. Buzzards reuse their nests, adding new layers of material each breeding season, which can cause older nests to grow considerably, sometimes reaching 1.5 meters in diameter. This addition of material reinforces the structure, ensuring its longevity.
Nesting Season and Cycle
The breeding season for Common Buzzards spans from March to July, with nest building commencing in March or April. After nest preparation, the female lays a clutch of two to three eggs, though this can range from two to six, laid at intervals of two to three days. These eggs are 5.5 centimeters long, white, and may have fine brown speckles.
Incubation, primarily performed by the female, lasts 33 to 35 days, with the male bringing food to the nest. The chicks hatch asynchronously, meaning they emerge over a few days, and are initially blind and covered in grayish-white down. The female guards the chicks while the male provides food, with both parents contributing to feeding as the chicks grow. Chicks remain in the nest for 40 to 55 days before they fledge. After fledging, young buzzards remain dependent on their parents for food for several weeks as they learn to hunt independently.