Diet of Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) in southern Norway determined from prey remains and video recordings.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) Science Article 5

abstract

We examined the diet of six breeding Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) pairs in southern Norway, by analysing pellets and prey remains collected around and in nests, and by video recording prey delivery at the nests. Mammals, birds and reptiles were the major prey groups. Amphibians were underestimated when identified from pellets and prey remains compared to video recording, while birds >120 g were overestimated. Selection of avian prey was studied by comparing the proportions of differentweight groups of birds among prey with their proportions in the bird community, as estimated by point counts around each nest. Common Buzzards selectively preyed uponmedium-sized birds and neglected many of the numerous small passerines.

V. Selas, R. Tveiten & O.M. Aanonsen, Ornis Fennica 84:97-104. 2007

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