Common buzzard

Buteo buteo

About

The Common buzzard is the most numerous bird of prey in Ukraine, and it is often the one tourists see when they notice a large bird slowly circling over the forest or polonyna. There are two subspecies in Ukraine: the sedentary or migratory common buzzard, which nests mainly in the north and west of the country, and the steppe buzzard, which migrates and is found in the south and east. The buzzard loves a mosaic of forests, where it nests, and open areas—meadows, fields, and polonynas—where it hunts.

It is a medium-sized bird: body length 51–57 cm, wingspan 110–130 cm. The coloration is highly variable—from almost white to dark brown. In flight, it shows broad rounded wings, a short fan-shaped tail, and often a light band on its chest. While soaring, the buzzard keeps its wings slightly raised.

The call of the buzzard is a thin mournful 'ki-ya', which starts loudly and on a high note, then fades to a lower pitch; it can be heard from a distance, especially in spring. The buzzard primarily hunts for voles and other small rodents, which it spots from a perch or in the air, then drops down on them from above. It often waits near molehills, catching moles that come to the surface.

Inexperienced observers sometimes mistake dark buzzards for the golden eagle, but the golden eagle is significantly larger and has longer wings. The Common buzzard is not listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Where in the Carpathians

fewermore31 814 records in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries: Slovakia · Czechia · Poland · Romania · Hungary · Ukraine · Austria · Serbia · BG
Mountain ranges: Moravian-Silesian Beskids, Börzsöny and Cserhát, Bükk, Bieszczady, Żywiec Beskids, Slovak Ore Mountains, Silesian Beskids, Piatra Craiului, Bucegi Mountains, Low Tatras
Altitude belts: Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sightings

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

Not listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ

What large bird is circling over the polonynas?

Most often, it is the Common buzzard—the most numerous bird of prey in Ukraine. It can be recognized by its broad wings, short tail, and mournful 'ki-ya' call.

How can you distinguish a buzzard from a golden eagle?

The golden eagle is significantly larger, with longer wings and tail. The buzzard is smaller, with a short fan-shaped tail, and often gives a thin mournful call.

Similar species

Red Data Book of UkraineIn season nowGolden eagleAquila chrysaetosThe largest eagle of the Carpathians. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, only 10–15 pairs nest — a vulnerable species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of UkraineLesser spotted eagleClanga pomarinaA small eagle of the Carpathian foothills that hunts in meadows and pastures, migrating to Africa for the winter. A rare species in the Red Data Book.

Common ravenCorvus coraxThe largest passerine bird, whose deep 'caw-caw' echoes over the polonynas and peaks of the Carpathians.

Where to meet it

Trails and peaks near which naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, iNaturalist), matched by altitude and habitat. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Sources

GBIF · iNaturalist · Wikidata · Distribution data: GBIF.org (CC0 and CC BY records), iNaturalist; names and identifiers: Wikidata (CC0). Text: Karpaty.rocks, checked 09.11.2026.