Common Buzzard

The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a raptor with a wide range and some subspecies are split by some author as separate species.

There are 11 subspecies, being found across Eurasia, and wintering in Africa and Southeast Asia [1]. The subspecies possible in Singapore are Eastern Buzzard (B. b. japonicus), Steppe Buzzard (B. b. vulpinus) and Himalayan Buzzard (B. b. refectus).

In Singapore, it is listed as an uncommon winter visitor. Early/late dates: 18Oct/18Apr

Common Buzzard on tree Common Buzzard on tree
Changi, 7Jan2006. Top: ©Fong CW. Bottom: ©Con Foley

Common Buzzard on tree Common Buzzard on tree
Changi, 5Nov2006 ©Con Foley

Common Buzzard on lamppost Common Buzzard flying
Juvenile, Changi. Left: 5Nov2008 ©Tan GC. Right: 2Jan2010 ©Tan KH

Common Buzzards flying Common Buzzard flying
Changi, 2Jan2010 ©Lau JS

Common Buzzard on tree
Changi, 20Nov2010 ©Tan KH

Common Buzzard flying
Changi, 18Dec2010 ©Lau JS

Common Buzzard on tree
Rufous Steppe Buzzard, Changi, 14Jan2012 ©Lau JS

It preys mainly on small mammals.

Common Buzzard flying Common Buzzard feeding
Rufous Steppe Buzzard, Changi, 30Oct2010 ©Lau JS

It mainly inhabits open areas.

Common Buzzard flying
Changi, 29Nov2014 ©Tan KH

It has been sighted at Airport Road, Bidadari, Bukit Batok, Changi, Holland Road, Jurong Lake, Lorong Halus, Kent Ridge, Sembawang, Sentosa, Tuas.

Common Buzzard flying
Tuas, 22Oct2016 ©Tan KH

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