Where Do Buzzards Nest?

Have you ever wondered where buzzards nest? If you have, then you’re not alone. As it turns out, however, there isn’t an easy answer. This is because the term “buzzard” may actually refer to a wide variety of different birds, each of which may live in a different area.

Below, learn exactly what a buzzard is and where they may choose to build their nest. 

What Is a Buzzard?

“Buzzard” is a term often applied to many species as a common name. The majority of these are hawk species in the genus Buteo. However, others are in the genera Hamirostra, Geranoaetus, Butastur, Pernis, Kaupifalco, and Cathartes. 

If you’re in North America, however, the term buzzard most widely refers to the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). However, elsewhere, a buzzard is usually a hawk-like raptor. In order to help address both of these animals, however, we will discuss both turkey vultures and hawks below. 

Some of the most common species that the term “buzzard” refers to includes:

• Common buzzard (Buteo buteo)
• Turkey vulture
• Broad-winged hawk
• Archer’s buzzard (Buteo archeri)
• Augur buzzard (Buteo augur)
• Eastern buzzard (Buteo japonicus)
• Forest buzzard (Buteo trizonatus)
• Jackal buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
• Long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
• Madagascar buzzard (Buteo brachypterus)
• Mountain buzzard (Buteo oreophilus)
• Red-necked buzzard (Buteo auguralis)
• Rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus).

Where Do Buzzards Nest?

Turkey vultures do not build nests, unlike other species known as buzzards. Instead of building a nest, these raptors will find dark recesses, such as those in ledges or hollowed logs, to call home. Although they don’t build their own nests, they may also claim abandoned nests constructed by other species. Abandoned bird homes aren’t the only open real estate for the buzzard, however, as they may also nest inside burrows or even abandoned buildings. 

Other buzzards, typically those in the genus Buteo, will build their own nests, and they most often do so in trees. Depending on the species, however, they may also choose to build their nests on rocky cliffs. Their nests can be constructed as high as 80 feet off the ground. They may use a variety of different materials, including sticks, fur, and twigs. 

Both hawks and vultures can be found throughout North America and much of the rest of the world. However, the exact species depends on the specific location. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com