Buzzards are large birds with broad rounded wings and a short tail. They are typically brown, often with a light necklace beneath the breast. The Buzzard’s beak is sharp and hooked and it has large feet with sharp talons. It has a wingspan of around 120cm and weighs up to 1kg.

Buzzards normally mate for life and a pair will fiercely defend their territory from any intruders. In early Spring the male Buzzards put on an acrobatic aerial display to impress females. This is known as the ‘rollercoaster’ were the males fly upwards before plummeting down, twisting and turning as it descends. Buzzards normally build a large nest in woodland. Two to three eggs are laid, hatching after around 35 days. The young fledge after about 2 months but may be fed by their parents for several more weeks.

The Buzzard is a comeback success on Dartmoor, often seen soaring above the Dartmoor landscape, using their keen eyesight to spot small mammals such as the Field Vole. Listen out for their distinctive high-pitched ‘kee-yaaa’ call.