Il8 BRITISH BIRDS. 



GENUS LXXXVII. BUTEO, Lacepede (1800}. 



Bill moderate, upper mandible decurved from the base, 

 but with the tooth in cutting edges almost obsolete ; 

 tarsus short and stout, naked. 



164. Buteo buteo (Linn.). BUZZARD. 



Hab. Europe. 



Adults vary extremely in plumage. Both sexes are 

 sometimes found of a nearly uniform blackish-brown 

 above and below, this being, according to some authorities? 

 the plumage of very old birds. Adult birds may, how- 

 ever, be met with (especially on the Continent) which 

 have more white than brown in their plumage, the male 

 indeed, being pure white, with bold brown blotches on 

 upper parts, and the normal dark bars on tail. I have 

 seen an example in this state of plumage, which was 

 shot in Notts. Young birds, in first year's plumage, are 

 mottled with brown and yellowish-buff above ; below 

 buffish-white, usually mottled with brown, but sometimes 

 unmarked, tail being rufous-grey, with darker bars. Length 

 of adults : male 20*50 ; female 22*50 ; bill and claws 

 bluish-black ; iris, cere and tarsi yellow. 



Formerly bred throughout our islands, but now confined 

 to various localities on the west side of Great Britain 

 from Wales to the Inner Hebrides. In Ireland very 

 scarce, but may still breed in Donegal and Londonderry. 

 Nest is built in cliffs in mountainous districts, but also 

 commonly in trees. Eggs : 3 or 4 ; dull white, slightly 

 blotched or streaked with rust-brown ; .size 2*20 by 1*75. 

 By no means a courageous bird ; feeding principally on 

 mice, frogs, large insects, and small birds. Note : a 

 plaintive squeal. 



