Nest-Site Characteristics of the Madagascar Buzzard in the Rain Forest of the Masoala Peninsula

Abstract

Raptor breeding density may be limited in part by the availability of suitable nest sites (Newton 1979). Numerous studies in North America have sought to quantitatively describe raptor nesting habitat (Titus and Mosher 1981, Andrew and Mosher 1982, Bednarz and Dinsmore 1982, Moore and Henny 1983). The need for studies of raptor nesting habitat is particularly important in tropical regions such as Madagascar, that are experiencing rapid habitat loss. The Madagascar Buzzard (Buteo brachypterus), one of eight species of diurnal raptors endemic to Madagascar, is reported to be common in wooded habitats (Langrand and Meyburg 1984). The habitat requirements of the Madagascar Buzzard, however, have not been investigated. The goal of this study was to describe the nests, nest trees, and nesting habitat of the Madagascar Buzzard in the rain forest of the Masoala Peninsula.