Buteo

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.

Characteristics

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.

Diet

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.