Buteo
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Buteo Temporal range: 33.9–0 Ma Oligocene - Present |
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| Common buzzard (Buteo buteo) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Subclass: | Neornithes |
| Infraclass: | Neognathae |
| Superorder: | Neoaves |
| Order: | Accipitriformes |
| Family: | Accipitridae |
| Genus: |
Buteo Lacépède, 1799 |
| Species | |
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About 30, see text |
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| Synonyms | |
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Asturina |
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About 30, see text
Asturina
Buteo is a genus of medium to fairly large, wide-ranging raptors with a robust body and broad wings. In the Old World, members of this genus are called "buzzards", but "hawk" is used in North America (Etymology: Buteo is the Latin name of the common buzzard). As both terms are ambiguous, buteo is sometimes used instead, for example, by the Peregrine Fund.
Buteos are fairly large birds. Total length can vary from 30 to 71 cm (12 to 28 in) and wingspan can range from 67 to 161 cm (26 to 63 in). The lightest known species is the roadside hawk, at an average of 269 g (9.5 oz) although the lesser known white-rumped and Ridgway's hawks are similarly small in average wingspan, at around 75 cm (30 in), and average length, at around 35 cm (14 in) and in standard measurements. The largest species in length and wingspan is the upland buzzard, which averages around 65 cm (26 in) in length and 152 cm (60 in) in wingspan. The upland is rivaled in weight and outsized in foot measurements and bill size by the ferruginous hawk. In both of these largest Buteos, adults typically weigh over 1,200 g (2.6 lb) and, in mature females, can exceed a mass of 2,000 g (4.4 lb). All Buteos may be noted for their broad wings and sturdy builds. The Buteos frequently soar on thermals at mid-day over openings and are most frequently seen while doing this. The flight style varies based on the body type and wing shape and surface size. Some long-winged species, such as rough-legged buzzards and Swainson's hawks, have a floppy, buoyant flight style, while others, such as red-tailed hawks and rufous-tailed hawks, tend to be relatively shorter-winged, soaring more slowly and flying with more labored, deeper flaps. Most small and some medium-sized species, from the roadside hawk to the red-shouldered hawk, often fly with an alternation of soaring and flapping, and thus may be reminiscent of an Accipiter hawk in flight but are still relatively larger-winged, shorter-tailed, and soar more extensively in open areas than Accipiters do.Buteos inhabit a wide range of habitats across the world but tend to prefer some access to both clearings, which provide ideal hunting grounds, and trees, which can provide nesting locations and security.
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Wikipedia