Common Buzzard - Martin Batt
Where and when to see: Seen across the island in small numbers during the summer
Latin name: Buteo buteo
The Buzzard is a medium sized raptor at 51-57cm long and with a wingspan of 110-130cm. It has brown plumage with lighter markings underneath, these markings can vary quite widely in the shading. The feathers on the wing tips are often spread out whilst gliding so that they appear to be ‘fingers’. It is quite a slow flier so tends to patiently wait on a perch for small mammals to appear nearby when it will swoop down to catch it.
Status in Alderney: Rare Breeder
Status in UK (RSPB Criteria): Green
Worldwide Status (IUCN Red List and Population Trend): Least Concern; Increasing