A comparison of breeding success and prey of the common buzzard buteo buteo in two areas of northern scotland

Abstract

The breeding success of 2 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo populations in the north of Scotland, were studied over the period 1977-89. Marked differences were found in breeding density, clutch size and nesting success. An examination of prey remains found at nests in the 2 areas provided a possible explanation. The more successful population in Moray were feeding on large prey items such as Rabbits and Wood Pigeons, whereas the other population in Glen Urquhart, fed more on voles and small passerine birds. A parallel study on Tawny Owls in Glen Urquhart showed a strong correlation between their annual breeding success and that of the local buzzards.This fluctuated on a 4- year cycle and was probably in response to vole abundance. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.