Buteo buteo rothschildi | Azorean buzzard
The Azorean Buzzard, also known in Terceira island as “Queimado” (meaning “burned”) is an endemic subspecies and the only daytime bird of prey in the Azores. They are sexually dimorphic, with the females being larger than the males. In this area they often form groups of 12 to 40 individuals, although they can also be solitary. Their distribution is limited to the islands of the oriental and central groups of the Azores. Perfect places to observe these fantastic birds of prey are São Miguel Island (Povoação, Furnas, Ribeira Grande and Sete Cidades), Terceira Island (Pico da Bagacina), Terceira Island (Serra do Cume), São Jorge Island (the wind farm), Faial Island (the airport) and Pico Island (Santo António and Criação Velha). This species inhabits forests and cliffs, as well as pasture areas with large trees. Their preference is to occupy low zones. This species is classified as "common breeding" in the Azores.
Length: 51 - 57 cm
Weight: 550 - 1,300 g
Wingspan: 113 - 135 cm
Population in the Azores: c.2,000
Longevity: 25 years
Diet: Small mammals (e.g. rabbits) and animal carcasses
Eggs: 2 - 4
Incubation: 42 days (between March and September)
Nesting sites: Trees, cliffs and rocky ledges
Fledging: 40 - 45 days
In other languages:
Portuguese: Milhafre
Spanish: Ratonero común/Busardo ratonero/Águila ratonera
French: Buse variable
Italian: Poiana comune
German: Mäusebussard
Dutch: Buizerd
Swedish: Ormvråk
Norwegian: Musvåk
Danish: Musvåge
Finnish: Hiirihaukka
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