Breeds across much of Europe and western Asia, preferring mature deciduous and mixed woodlands. During migration, they can be seen traversing a wide range of habitats as they head to and from their wintering grounds in tropical Africa.

Spot them by their distinctive wing shape: longer, more finger-like primaries than common buzzards, and often a more 'necked' appearance. Look for their characteristic slow, deliberate wing beats mixed with glides. Identification can be tricky due to plumage variability and similarity to other buzzards; focus on flight profile and head shape.

Best observed during spring (April-May) and autumn (August-September) migration periods, when large numbers pass through bottleneck sites. They are present on their breeding grounds during summer (May-August).