Buzzards are a member of the Accipitridae family that typically belong to the buteo genus. However, the name is applied inconsistently across the world, as it is assigned to some birds that are similarly “robust” with broad wings, even though belonging to different genera.
In North America, “buzzard” is commonly used to describe vultures.
In Galicia there are two species, of which only one is a true buzzard.
Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Also known as the Common Buzzard, the Eurasian Buzzard is a medium to large raptor and the only true buzzard found in Spain and a year-round resident of Galicia .
As opportunistic hunters, they prey on a wide variety of species, whether rabbits, voles, lizards, insects and occasionally fish. Buzzards will also feed on carrion when the opportunity arises.
Typically they nest in trees and hunt over open ground.
Not only is their IUCN conservation status of Least Concern, its population is believed to be increasing.
European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Although in the Accipitridae family, European Honey Buzzards are not a true buzzard, despite being named so in various parts of Europe.
Neither do they eat honey as its English name implies. They do, however eat the larvae and nests of wasps and hornets, with their scale-like feathering around the face believed to have evolved as protection against stings.
Quite importantly, they are a known predator of the Asian Hornet, an invasive species appearing with greater frequency across Spain.
Galicia is a breeding ground for the European Honey Buzzard, typically nesting in woodland habitats during the summer months before migrating to Africa for winter.
Their current conservation status is Least Concern, and they are considered to be stable, although in the 2021 Libro Rojo, they were categorised as Near Threatened in Spain.