Correlates of the population increase of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in the West Midlands between 1983 and 1996

Abstract

Buzzard density and distribution increased significantly in the West Midlands between 1983 and 1996. The number of soaring Buzzards counted in spring increased by 118% in the main range, 348% in the edge range and 231% overall. Although there was no significant linear trend in breeding success between 1950 and 1995, numbers of young fledged per breeding attempt were highest in the period 1980–95. This high productivity coincided with an increase in Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus abundance. Persecution levels, especially poisonings, appear to have been lower in the 1990s than during 1975–89. Increased productivity due to high Rabbit abundance, and higher survival rates due to reduced persecution, are likely to be the main factors responsible for the rapid increase in the Buzzard population in this area. Buzzards are increasing in numbers in other parts of Britain and Ireland and may now be more numerous than at any time this century.