Common Buzzard (also known as Steppe Buzzard)

This is a secondary wing feather from a Common Buzzard, exhibiting the classic 'earth-tone' camouflage. The bird itself has broad, rounded wings and a short, fan-shaped tail. Its plumage is highly variable, ranging from very dark brown to almost white, making this mottled pattern quite characteristic.

Mottled brown and cream. The dorsal surface shows dark brown terminal banding with irregular horizontal bars (barring) of lighter grey-brown and white towards the base. The rachis is white/cream near the base.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs for approximately 80% of the length, transitioning to a soft, plumulaceous (downy) base for insulation near the calamus.

Smooth and firm on the pennaceous vane with a matte finish. The trailing edge is soft to the touch, while the leading edge is stiffer to withstand air pressure during flight.

Wide, rounded tip; distinct dark brown barring on a lighter background; white/pale downy base; and a sturdy, pale rachis.

Extremely versatile: found in open deciduous and coniferous woodlands, forest edges, farmland, meadows, and occasionally suburban areas with large trees.

Widespread across Europe and Asia. In the Czech Republic, it is a common year-round resident, though some northern populations migrate across the region.

Apex predator and scavenger. They control rodent populations and act as an indicator of ecosystem health in agricultural landscapes.

Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), which has broader and more distinct banding, and the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), which has more regular, cleaner-cut stripes.

Common Buzzards are known as the 'opportunists' of the sky; they are often seen perched on fence posts along highways in the Czech Republic, waiting for roadkill or small rodents.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact with minor fraying at the tip, suggesting a naturally molted feather rather than one lost to trauma or predation.

Europe czech republic