Bird Watching or Twitching in Andalucia Southern Spain

November 2006, Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Although the buzzard is a resident here, migrants from Scandinavia augment the numbers during winter. It is a medium size raptor, predominantly dark brown. It may be recognised by its shape in flight. The wings are more rounded than eagles and vultures, similar to a bow, with the head as an arrow. When soaring the wings will be raised in a shallow 'V' and it glides on flat wings. The buzzard does not often hover as such but it will hang motionless in the wind, often at a very high altitude. There are at least two pairs in the vicinity of Crestellina this winter.