Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is our most common bird of prey, which hikers often notice perched motionless watching for prey along forest edges or soaring high above hilly meadows. Its feather coloration is extremely variable, ranging from almost entirely white to very dark brown shades, but it is most easily recognized by its stocky build, relatively short tail, and characteristic lighter stripe across the chest in the shape of a horseshoe. It grows to a length of up to 57 centimeters and spans up to 130 centimeters across the wings, enabling it to skillfully exploit air currents during gliding foraging.
In nature, it plays an important role in regulating the population of small rodents, feeding primarily on voles and mice, occasionally preying on smaller birds, amphibians, or insects. Its call is very characteristic, sounding like a piercing cat's meow that often echoes among mountain slopes. Buzzards are extremely adaptable birds that nest high in tree canopies; their presence always enriches trips into nature and reminds us of the majesty of the avian world. Although quite cautious, they are often spotted on perches along mountain trails, from which they vigilantly monitor every movement on the ground with their sharp eyesight.