In the process of hovering, the birds can remain in one position and suspended in the air without moving backward or forward.
Some birds can use this ability to hunt while others use it for feeding purposes. But do Buzzards hover? This question is often asked when hover is discussed.
So In this article, I’ve explained all the facts related to buzzards in detail.
Can Buzzards Hover?
Common Buzzards try to perform hover of different types but generally, it lasts for more than a few seconds at a time.
The most likely time of seeing these buzzards hovering is when there is a headwind they can use that makes them appear stationary in the air.
Therefore, Buzzards truly can’t hover. They do and can perform it with some sort of their variations. The Rough-legged buzzard often hovers more compared to the common buzzard.
Other Birds that can Hover
Many other birds hover. It includes the following birds:
- Hummingbirds
- Terns
- Rough-legged Buzzards
- Hawks
- Kestrels
- Vultures
What Does a Buzzard look like?
The buzzards are usually spotted flying high in the sky as they have a wingspan of 60 inches. While the length of common buzzards is between 20-and 22 inches.
The average weight of Buzzards is between 19 and 45 ounces. But the female birds weigh more than male birds and they are 15% larger than males.
The plumage of Buzzards is highly variable. Some have dark brown plumage while others have white plumage. You will notice brown color with a pale underside and juveniles will be lighter.
The tail of adult buzzards is short, square which rounds when it is spread and it has a dark band across the tip.
The wings of these birds have dark tips and yellow feet with large, long, and powerful toes & sharp claws. The bill has a distinctive hook at the tip.
What Does A Buzzard Sound like?
Adult buzzards can make a key ya call. But the juveniles require several years to master this sound. The nestlings can produce a high-pitched double call when demanding food from their parents.
Buzzards can vocalize year-round and their call is sharper when used in aggression. When these birds answer each other, the pair often uses mah sound with additional croaks and chuckles.
What Does a Buzzard eat?
Generally, the buzzards eat mice, birds, reptiles, large insects, earthworms, and other rodents.
They also prefer carrion because it requires less energy and can often able to steal meals from other birds.
Where can I see Buzzards?
Buzzards can be found and bred across Europe and including the region like the Mediterranean, east Russia, and the Caucasus.
The buzzards that are found in these areas tend to migrate long distances down to South Africa.
These can also be found in the parts of Central Asia that tend to migrate short distances to northwest Africa and Southern Europe.
How Does a Buzzard Breed?
During the spring season, the buzzards perform acrobatic stunts in the air to attract or lure a mate. Once a mate gets attracted, they both pair for life.
When it comes to the nest, the nest of these birds is at least 20 feet high, and both the male and female birds complete the job of lining the nest.
Generally, these birds build a new nest every year and prefer woodlands or open fields where they can easily find their prey.
The nest of these birds is around 3 feet wide and in mid-April, the female bird can lay a clutch of 2-4 eggs that she will incubate for around a month.
Once the eggs get hatched the female look after the babies while the male brings food. When the male returns, then she will return to hunting.
Both the parents have the responsibility of providing food to the babies until they fledge. These birds can stay with their parents for 6-8 weeks.
How long do Buzzards live?
The average lifespan of the buzzards is around 8 years but most of them die before this period. The reason for this early death is starvation. However, buzzards can live up to 25 years in the wild.
Do Buzzards Migrate?
Buzzards inhabit the British isles and it is rare for these birds to migrate. In the other parts of Northern Europe, these birds are known to migrate to Africa in the winter season.
The Buzzards in the west migrate to Southern Europe and Northwest Africa while the European population of these birds often migrate to South Africa during the winters.
How Fast can Buzzards fly?
Buzzards are capable of flying at a speed of around 28 mph in level flight. These birds can also reach more substantial speeds while diving for prey. However, the exact speed of the buzzards is unknown.
Conclusion
The Common Buzzards can try to perform some type of hover but it is rare to see them hovering. But the Rough-legged Buzzards do hover. Therefore, buzzards do not hover.
At last, I hope this article may have helped you in some ways. Thank You For Reading!
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