How big is an Irish buzzard?

The common buzzard measures between 40 and 58 cm (16 and 23 in) in length with a 109–140 cm (43–55 in) wingspan.

Are Buzzards common in Ireland?

Recent range expansion has seen this species becoming widespread and very common throughout Ireland. Populations now reaching far into Western counties. Year round resident. Often observed at road sides scavenging on carrion or in fields foraging for worms.

How do I identify a buzzard?

The buzzard is quite large with broad, rounded wings, and a short neck and tail. When gliding and soaring it will often hold its wings in a shallow ‘V’ and the tail is fanned. Buzzards are variable in colour from all dark brown to much paler variations, all have dark wingtips and a finely barred tail.

Were Buzzards introduced in Ireland?

Along with eagles and kites, buzzards became extinct in Ireland over 100 years ago. This was largely because of human persecution. The first one was from Scotland into Northern Ireland, and these birds spread first into Donegal and then into Louth, Monaghan and Cavan.

What’s the largest bird of prey in Ireland?

Golden Eagle

Irish Name:	Iolar firéan
Scientific name:	Aquila chrysaetos
Bird Family:	Raptors

How rare are buzzards in Ireland?

Became extinct in Ireland in 1891. First found breeding on Rathlin Island, County Antrim in 1933. The Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group estimate 200 + pairs are now breeding in Northern Ireland, whilst there appears to be at least 150 pairs in the Republic of Ireland with approx. 100 pairs in county Donegal alone.

Is a buzzard bigger than a Sparrowhawk?

Hawks include the bird-eating hawks such as the sparrowhawk, with broad, rounded wings and long, slender tails. Buzzards are mostly larger, longer-winged, substantial birds, which use broad wings for soaring. Eagles are much larger, with deep, arched, sharply-hooked bills, long, strong, curved claws.

What is the difference between a honey buzzard and a common buzzard?

Honey buzzards resemble common buzzards, but with longer wings, a longer tail and a slim neck that’s often held forward in a cuckoo-like manner. Plumage is highly variable, but adults are typically greyish-brown above with paler underparts.

Would a buzzard take a cat?

Although it is possible that some of the larger species of hawk will attack a cat, there is little evidence of the British common buzzard doing so. Most will outweigh a buzzard. A small bird of prey probably couldn’t lift a cat off the ground. Buzzards may be seen eating dead cats but is also certainly roadkill.

Is a buzzard bigger than a sparrowhawk?

Where can I find a buzzard in Ireland?

Takes a wide variety of prey items including small mammals, birds, rabbits, insects, earthworms and amphibians. Until quite recently breeding birds were to be found mainly in the north and east of country, north of a line from Sligo to Wexford.

Are there buzzards on the Isle of Man?

It is still scarce on Isle of Man and in western Ireland. Buzzard is now one of our most common raptors (along with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk). Movements: Across its vast world range Buzzard is highly migratory, although in the UK it is usually resident.

What kind of food does a common buzzard eat?

They are generalist hunters with a cosmopolitan diet including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and especially scavenged carrion. Often seen perching on fences and posts by the roadside waiting for ‘road-kill’.

What did BirdWatch Ireland do about bird of prey poisoning?

BirdWatch Ireland strongly condemns the most devastating poisoning incident of birds of prey recorded in this country and calls for immediate action to tackle wildlife crimes. BirdWatch Ireland is utterly appalled at details which have emerged of the largest poisoning incident of birds of prey in decades.