Common Buzzard (also known as Buse pattue in some regional contexts, or European Buzzard)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Buteo, Species: Buteo buteo
Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Allies)
- Shape
- Slightly asymmetrical with a rounded, blunt tip; broad vane and minimal tapering toward the apex
- Size
- 15cm in length as reported by user; this is exactly within the typical range for secondary feathers of a medium-sized Buteo (usually 14-18cm)
- Rarity
- Very Common; the most widespread and frequently seen raptor in Western Europe
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Description
These feathers belong to the Common Buzzard, a medium-large raptor with a wingspan of 110-130cm. Known for its variable plumage ranging from dark chocolate brown to almost white, it is a master of soaring on thermals. In flight, it shows a broad, fan-shaped tail and a distinctive 'meowing' call reminiscent of a cat
Colour & Pattern
Basic earthy brown (sepia) base color with white translucent 'windows' or blotches on the inner vane. These white patches form a broken band typical of the pale-morph or intermediate-morph buzzard common in France
Barb Structure
The upper two-thirds are pennaceous with interlocked barbs; the lower third is highly plumulaceous (downy) for insulation, featuring a distinct afterfeather area near the superior umbilicus
Texture & Surface
Surface is smooth and matte with a slightly stiff leading edge. The downy section feels exceptionally soft and airy, designed to trap heat against the bird's body
Key Features
Distinguished by the mottled brown base and the characteristic large white patches on the inner vane, combined with the significant amount of downy fluff at the base for a raptor feather of this size
Habitat
Open landscapes, including farmland, meadows, and pastures interspersed with small woodlands or copses for nesting; frequently seen on roadside fence posts
Geographic Range
Year-round resident in Bourgogne and throughout most of Europe; migratory populations from the north may pass through during winter
Ecological Role
Apex predator and scavenger; they control rodent populations (voles and mice) and serve as an important 'sanitary' species by consuming roadkill
Similar Species
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) has more distinct, continuous dark bands; Red Kite (Milvus milvus) has much longer, more tapered feathers; Goshawk feathers would have more regular, crisp barring
Interesting Facts
The Common Buzzard is highly adaptable; its French name 'Buse' is the origin of the word 'busard', and they are known to walk on the ground to hunt earthworms when larger prey is scarce
Condition Notes
Good condition; the distal edges show minor wear (mechanical abrasion), suggesting these were likely molted naturally rather than lost to predation. Very little sun bleaching is present
Notes
Found it in Bourgogne 15cm long