Buzzard Vs Kestrel: Key Differences Explained
When seen from a distance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a Buzzard (Buteo buteo) and a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Having said that, there are a few distinguishing features that can make identification easier.
In this article, we’ll be looking at those differences enabling you to make a positive identification when in the field. These two birds of prey are a relatively common sight in the UK skies and have fascinated bird watchers and naturalists for many years. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Kestrels are often seen hovering in the air while Buzzards tend to soar at great heights
- Buzzards favour woodlands, farmlands and moorlands while Kestrels prefer open fields and grasslands
- The call of the Buzzard sounds almost catlike, whereas the call of the Kestrel is a more high-pitched “kee-kee-kee”
- Buzzards build their nests in trees, on cliffs or rocky ledges While Kestrels use old magpie or crows nests
- Kestrel chicks fledge after around 28 to 35 days whereas Buzzard chicks don’t typically fledge until they are around 45 to 50 days old
What Is The Difference Between A Buzzard And A Kestrel?
There are a number of differences between the Buzzard and the Kestrel which will help you to identify both species. These differences include;
Visual Differences
Buzzards have a stocky build with broad, rounded wings and a short fan-shaped tail. Their appearance can vary greatly, ranging from dark brown to much paler colours. However, they all have dark wingtips and a striped tail.
They have sharp, hooked beaks and large powerful feet tipped with sharp talons. When in the air, Buzzards often hold their wings in a shallow “V” shape with their tails fanned out when gliding or soaring through the air. This adjustment of wings and tail make the Buzzard relatively easy to spot when flying.
Female Buzzards tend to be larger than males and typically have broader wings and a more robust appearance. In flight, Buzzards soar on thermal air currents using slow deliberate wing beats and are often seen circling high in the sky.
Buzzards often hunt from a high perch or when soaring through the air. Their primary food source includes rabbits and voles but they will also take birds and carrion (dead animals).
Kestrels are smaller in size and look more streamlined. They have long, pointed wings and a long tail. They typically have a reddish-brown plumage with black spots. Males have grey heads and tails while females are brown with black barring. Both males and females have a black malar stripe that helps reduce glare as they search for prey.
Kestrels are well known for their hovering flight which leaves them almost stationary in the air while searching the ground for prey. They primarily hunt small mammals like mice and voles, but will also take insects and small birds on occasion.
Kestrels tend to hunt in open country using their sharp eyesight to find prey on the ground.
Differences In Habitat
Although both species can have crossover points in their choice of habitats, there are generally differences between the two.
Buzzards are found in a wide range of habitats which include; woodlands, farmland, moorlands, and even close to human settlements. They prefer areas with open spaces for hunting and trees for nesting.
Many Buzzards in the UK are year round residents, in fact, they are the UK’s most common raptor, but those that live in colder northern regions and parts of eastern Europe migrate southwards for the winter. With many spending their winter’s in South Africa.
Kestrels are more commonly found in open habitats, including grasslands, heathlands, fields and along roadside verges. Having said that, they can also adapt to urban areas as well as long as there is enough vegetation.
For the most part, Kestrels are sedentary birds and are year round residents in the UK. But those that live in cooler areas often migrate to warmer climes for the winter. Sadly, UK populations of Kestrels have dwindled in recent years, mainly due to changes in agricultural practices which affect their food sources.
Buzzards are generally shy around humans but can often be seen soaring high in the sky or perched on trees or fence posts in the distance.
Kestrels seem to be more tolerant around humans and can often be spotted hunting along roadsides or hovering above fields even in urban areas.
Nests & Eggs
Buzzards and Kestrels have different nesting habits and egg characteristics. Which include;
Nests
Buzzards typically build their nests in trees, often choosing a sturdy branch or fork in a large tree like an oak or pine. They will also nest on cliffs, rocky ledges, or even on the ground if there are no trees available.
They build large bulky structures constructed from sticks, twigs, and branches. The interior is lined with softer materials such as leaves, grass, and moss. Buzzards often reuse the same nest year after year, adding new materials to it each season, which can result in quite a large nest over time.
The nesting season typically begins in early spring most likely March to April for Buzzards, subject to favourable climatic conditions.
Kestrels don’t build their own nests. They prefer to use old nests from other birds like Crows or Magpies. They will also nest in tree cavities, cliff ledges or even man-made structures like buildings, church towers or nest boxes.
As they don’t actually build the nest themselves, they don’t typically add to the design of the nest. They typically lay their eggs anytime from April to June. Again dependent on favourable climatic conditions and the availability of prey.
Eggs
Buzzards typically lay 2 to 4 eggs per clutch with 3 being the most common. The eggs are fairly large and have a pale whitish or bluish background colour with reddish-brown blotches or spots. Interestingly, the markings can differ greatly even within the same clutch.
Each egg measures approximately 55-65 mm in length. The female incubates the eggs for around 33 to 35 days with some help from the male.
The altricial chicks take around 45 to 50 days to fledge the nest.
Kestrels typically lay 3 to 6 eggs per clutch with 4 or 5 being most common. The eggs are smaller than those of the Buzzard measuring around 35 to 39 mm in length.
They have a cream or buff coloured background colour and are speckled with reddish-brown spots that can form dense patterns which sometimes almost cover the entire egg. The female incubates the eggs for about 27 to 31 days while the male provides her with food.
The altricial chicks develop faster than Buzzard chicks and typically fledge after around 28 to 35 days of hatching.
Bird Calls
There is a distinct difference in the vocalisations of both of these birds.
Buzzards have a distinctive cat-like “mew” call which is often heard as they soar high through the sky.
Kestrels make a high-pitched rapid “kee-kee-kee” call which is typically heard during the breeding season or when they are alarmed.
Size & Weight
There are significant differences in the size and weight of these two birds of prey with Buzzards being the larger of the two.
Buzzards have an average length of around 50 to 58 centimetres and a wingspan of around 112 to 129 centimetres. When it comes to weight, females tend to be heavier than males with an average female weighing anywhere between 690 to 1300 grams. Males weigh around 545 to 1000 grams.
Kestrels are much smaller with an average adult Kestrel measuring around 32 to 35 centimetres and boasting a wingspan of around 71 to 80 centimetres. There’s no apparent difference in size between male and female Kestrels with both sexes weighing anywhere between 156 to 252 grams.
Buzzards have a stockier, more robust appearance compared to the slimmer and more streamlined appearance of the Kestrel.
SEE ALSO: Dotterel Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
You can identify a Buzzard by its large size, broad, rounded wings and short tail. Buzzards are typically brown with white undersides although some have more white feathers than others. Buzzards tend to be seen soaring high up in the air when hunting for prey.
You can identify a Kestrel by the way they hover in the air without apparently moving. Males have a grey head and tail which has a black band, a reddish-brown back and a creamy underside which is speckled with black markings. Females are similar but don’t have a grey head or tail and are more uniformly brown in colour.
Buzzards are relatively common birds of prey. In fact, they are the UK’s most common bird of prey. So it is not particularly rare to see a Buzzard.
