Medium-sized raptor, has a wide diversity of prey: principally small mammals but also birds, reptiles, amphibians, larger insects, and earthworms. Nominate buteo: W Palearctic and Madeira; insularum: Canary Islands; rothschildi: Azores; arrigonii: Corsica and Sardinia; vulpinus: N Palearctic; menetriesi: S Crimea and Caucasus to N Iran. Inhabits varied landscapes like forest clearings and fringes, woodlands, cultivated landscapes with groves or tall isolated trees. Population is increasing and the status is Least Concern. Resident or short-distance migrant, only vulpinus long-distance migrant.