The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is now Britain's most numerous and widespread bird of prey, with a population recovery from severe persecution that represents one of the UK's conservation success stories. Understanding their ecology helps identify ongoing welfare challenges.
Common buzzards were persecuted to near-extinction across much of Britain by the mid-20th century — shooting, trapping, and poisoning reduced them to strongholds in Wales, western Scotland, and parts of south-west England. Following legal protection under the Protection of Birds Act 1954 and later the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, combined with reduced persecution pressure in most areas, buzzard populations have recovered dramatically. The current UK breeding population is estimated at approximately 70,000 pairs — the highest for centuries.
Buzzards are versatile generalist predators and scavengers, feeding on: small mammals (voles, rabbits, young hares), earthworms (especially in wet conditions), beetles and other invertebrates, carrion, and occasionally birds. Their diet varies with season and habitat — some buzzard populations are largely dependent on earthworms in winter, spending hours walking fields after rain. They hunt by perch-hunting from elevated posts, soaring over open ground, or walking across fields. Rabbits are a major prey species in areas where rabbit populations are high.
Illegal persecution: Despite legal protection, buzzards are still illegally killed — primarily on grouse moors and game estates. Shooting, trapping in spring traps and cage traps, and poisoning (particularly from illegally placed carbofuran baits) continue. The RSPB Wildlife Crimes Unit and Police Wildlife Crime Officers investigate incidents. Buzzards are Schedule 1 protected birds and intentional killing carries significant criminal penalties.
Secondary poisoning: Rodenticide accumulation through prey chains (particularly rabbits treated for pest control) is detected in buzzards through PBMS monitoring. Sub-lethal effects on liver function and immune system are documented. Responsible rodenticide use guidance from CRRU aims to reduce exposure.
Collision mortality: Road mortality affects buzzards hunting along verges, particularly in autumn when juvenile inexperienced birds disperse. Railway line casualties are also recorded.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD): Dramatic rabbit population declines from RHD2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2) in some areas have reduced a key prey species for buzzards, with potential welfare and population implications in the most affected regions.
Conflict between buzzard conservation and game management remains contentious. Buzzards do occasionally predate pheasant and partridge chicks, creating genuine conflict with shooting interests. Lethal control of buzzards is strictly regulated — Natural England can issue licences for nest management (moving eggs) under specific, limited circumstances. Nest disturbance to prevent breeding success is occasionally licensed. Non-lethal deterrents (flushing, scaring) are the first line of management in conflict situations.
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