What kind of bird is this? It flew overhead in SE27 late this afternoon and scared off the other birds. Could it be a buzzard? We do have peregrine falcons in the area, but this one seems too large.
What is this bird?
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Based on your description, it sounds like you might have seen a large raptor. If it was bigger than a peregrine falcon and caused other birds to panic, it’s possible you saw a buzzard, but there are a couple of other species that could fit your description as well.
In the UK, common buzzards are known for their larger size and can sometimes instill fear in smaller birds when they fly overhead. If the bird you saw had a broad wingspan, a rounded tail, and a typical soaring flight pattern with a lot of gliding, it would likely be a buzzard.
That said, if the bird’s size and appearance were significantly larger than a typical buzzard, it could also have been a juvenile eagle or another large raptor. If you can recall any specific markings or features, such as wing shape or coloration, it could help narrow it down further. If you have a photo or can provide more details, it would be great to take a closer look!