Common Buzzard: Ecology, Recovery and Conservation

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): Ecology and Conservation

The common buzzard is Britain's most numerous and widespread raptor — a remarkable conservation success story. Persecuted to near-extinction in England by the mid-20th century through shooting, poisoning, and trapping (primarily by gamekeepers), the buzzard has recovered spectacularly following legal protection, with the UK population now estimated at 60,000–80,000 pairs. The buzzard's recovery demonstrates both the resilience of raptors when persecution ceases and the ongoing need for law enforcement to protect protected species.

Ecology and Biology

Size: Medium-large raptor (51–57cm); broad rounded wings, short tail; soaring flight with wings in shallow V
Habitat: Versatile — woodland, farmland, moorland edges, upland valleys. Most common in western and upland Britain; now widespread across England
Diet: Opportunistic — rabbits, voles, other small mammals primary prey; also carrion (road casualties), earthworms (important winter food), insects, frogs
Breeding: Large stick nest in trees; 2–3 eggs; both parents incubate 33–35 days; young fledge at 50–55 days
Territorial: Pairs hold year-round territories; display flights in early spring
Lifespan: Up to 25 years in the wild

Population Recovery

The buzzard's recovery is attributable to:

Legal protection under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Reduced organochlorine pesticide use (DDT ban in UK 1984)
Reduced persecution pressure (though illegal killing continues)
Recovery of rabbit populations (primary prey) following myxomatosis reduction
Range expansion from western strongholds eastward across England

Current Threats

Illegal Persecution

Despite legal protection, buzzards continue to be illegally shot, trapped, and poisoned — particularly in some upland sporting estates. RSPB and Police Wildlife Crime Units investigate incidents. Poisoning is the most common method — using banned pesticides (carbofuran, alphachloralose) in baited carcasses.

Secondary Rodenticide Poisoning

Buzzards, as scavenging raptors, are exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides through prey and carrion. UK monitoring shows widespread low-level contamination.

Road Traffic

Buzzards feeding on road-killed prey are regularly struck by vehicles — one of the most common causes of raptor mortality presented to wildlife rehabilitators.

Buzzards and Game Management

Conflict between buzzards and pheasant rearing is the primary source of ongoing illegal persecution. Buzzards do take pheasant chicks — but research consistently shows the impact on release survival is modest and manageable through legitimate means (pen design, guardian deterrents) rather than illegal killing.

Identifying Injured Buzzards

An injured buzzard that cannot fly requires immediate attention:

Approach carefully — buzzards can inflict serious wounds with talons
Cover with a blanket/jacket; place in a well-ventilated box
Contact RSPCA, British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC), or local wildlife rehabilitator immediately