The Caucasus Buzzard (Buteo buteo menetriesi) is a medium-to-large bird of prey, and a raptor. 

The Caucasus Buzzard varies in plumage, but is generally brown with paler markings on its neck and chest. Some have a pale ‘necklace’ of feathers. It has orange-brown eyes, a pale-grey beak, and pale-grey legs. 

It measures 40-58 centimetres (16-23 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 109-140 centimetres (43-55 inches).

The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is native to the Northern Hemisphere in most of Europe and into Asia. The Caucasus Buzzard (Buteo buteo menetriesi) is native to the Caucasus region of southern Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

It prefers woodland and open lands. 

It eats small mammals, as well as birds, snakes, and lizards. It drops on its prey from a perch and grabs it with its strong claws (talons).

The Caucasus Buzzard mates for life. Its nest is large and built on a tree branch. The nest is up to one metre (39 inches) wide. It is made of sticks and is often re-used each year.

The female lay two eggs. Only the female sits on the eggs. They hatch after about 40 days. Chicks will get their flight feathers after about 56–60 days; then they can fly. 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM