Buteo
Genus of broad-winged raptors known as buzzards or hawks.
Buteo is a genus of raptors that are medium to fairly large, with wide-ranging distributions, sturdy bodies, and broad wings. In the Old World, these birds are known as "buzzards," while in the New World they are called "hawks." Because both common names can be confusing, the term "buteo" is sometimes used instead, such as by the Peregrine Fund.
These birds are fairly large raptors, with total lengths ranging from 30 to 75 cm (12 to 30 inches) and wingspans from 67 to 170 cm (26 to 67 inches). The lightest species is the roadside hawk, averaging about 269 grams (9.5 ounces), though the white-rumped and Ridgway's hawks are similarly small, with average wingspans around 75 cm (30 inches) and lengths around 35 cm (14 inches). The longest in length and wingspan is the upland buzzard, averaging about 65 cm (26 inches) in length and 152 cm (60 inches) in wingspan. The ferruginous hawk rivals the upland buzzard in weight and exceeds it in foot and bill size. Adults of these two largest buteos typically weigh over 1,200 grams (2.6 pounds), and mature females can exceed 2,000 grams (4.4 pounds). All buteos are noted for their broad wings and sturdy builds. They often soar on thermals at midday over open areas, which is when they are most frequently seen. Flight style varies with body type, wing shape, and wing surface area. Long-winged species like rough-legged buzzards and Swainson's hawks have a floppy, buoyant flight, while shorter-winged species like red-tailed and rufous-tailed hawks soar more slowly and flap more deeply and laboriously. Most small and some medium-sized species, such as the red-shouldered hawk, alternate between soaring and flapping, which can resemble the flight of an Accipiter hawk, though they have relatively larger wings, shorter tails, and soar more over open areas than Accipiter species do. Buteos live in a wide range of habitats worldwide but generally prefer areas with both clearings for hunting and trees for nesting and security.
All Buteo species are opportunistic hunters, preying on almost any small animal available. Most strongly prefer small mammals, especially rodents, which are taken from nearly every rodent family worldwide. Since many rodents are nocturnal, buteos mainly hunt those that are partially active during the day, such as squirrels, chipmunks, voles, and gerbils. More nocturnal rodents are caught opportunistically, of
- Size range
- Total length 30 to 75 cm; wingspan 67 to 170 cm
- Lightest species
- Roadside hawk, average 269 g
- Heaviest species
- Upland buzzard and ferruginous hawk, adults typically over 1,200 g, mature females can exceed 2,000 g
- Diet emphasis
- Small mammals, mostly rodents
- Nesting
- Build stick nests in trees; 2 to 4 eggs per clutch
- Distribution
- Worldwide, many species migratory; some insular forms vulnerable or critically endangered
- Genus established
- 1799 by Bernard Germain de Lacépède
Lore & Background
Buteos are fairly large birds with broad wings and sturdy builds. They frequently soar on thermals at midday over openings. Flight style varies: long-winged species like rough-legged buzzards have a floppy, buoyant flight, while shorter-winged species like red-tailed hawks soar more slowly with deeper flaps. Most small and some medium-sized species alternate soaring and flapping, reminiscent of Accipiter hawks but with larger wings and shorter tails. Buteos inhabit a wide range of habitats but prefer clearings for hunting and trees for nesting.
Reader's Guide
The genus Buteo includes many of the most widely distributed, common, and best-known raptors in the world, such as the red-tailed hawk of North America and the common buzzard of Eurasia. Most Northern Hemisphere species are at least partially migratory; in North America, broad-winged and Swainson's hawks form huge flocks called 'kettles' during fall migration, with tens of thousands seen daily at peak. Some species have total populations exceeding a million individuals. However, insular forms like the Socotra buzzard and Galapagos hawks are vulnerable to extinction, and Ridgway's hawk is critically endangered, threatened by habitat destruction, prey reductions, and poisoning. Insecticides used in southern South America have caused declines in Swainson's hawk populations. Buteos are opportunistic predators, primarily feeding on small mammals, especially rodents, but also taking birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Carrion is eaten occasionally but is secondary to live prey. Most species ambush prey by pouncing from a perch or circling down from a soar.
Did You Know?
- The lightest known Buteo species is the roadside hawk, averaging 269 g.
- The largest Buteo in length and wingspan is the upland buzzard, averaging 65 cm in length and 152 cm in wingspan.
- Swainson's hawk is an exceptional insect-feeding specialist, relying on crickets and dragonflies when wintering in southern South America.
- Ridgway's hawk is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
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