Buteo vulgaris; Print; The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium-to-large bird of prey which has a large range. A member of the genus Buteo; it is a member of the family Accipitridae. The species lives in most of Europe and extends its range into Asia; mainly western Russia. Over much of its range; it is a year-round resident. However; buzzards from the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere as well as those that breed in the eastern part of their range typically migrate south for the northern winter; many culminating their journey as far as South Africa. The common buzzard is an opportunistic predator that can take a wide variety of prey; but it feeds mostly on small mammals; especially rodents such as voles. It typically hunts from a perch. Like most accipitrid birds of prey; it builds a nest; typically in trees in this species; and is a devoted parent to a relatively small brood of young. The common buzzard appears to be the most common diurnal raptor in Europe; as estimates of its total global population run well into the millions.; 1842-1848