The Common Buzzard

Soaring majestically on thermals with broad wings raised, the Common Buzzard is a familiar sight for many people across Eurasia. In fact, thanks to a remarkable ability to adapt to local conditions, it is now one of the most abundant hawks in the world. The Common Buzzard can exploit a variety of nest sites, and has an eclectic diet that ranges from earthworms and voles to woodpigeons and even deer carcasses.

This is a species rich in paradoxes. Why does a hawk evolved for hunting small mammals thrive on invertebrates and carrion? How can a raptor renowned for dramatic territorial displays occur at such high densities? And why does such a large bird that can travel long distances spend so much time in small areas? Sean Walls and Robert Kenward delve deep into the ecology of the Common Buzzard to provide answers to these questions and many more, as well as examining the conservation conundrums raised by this bird.

Bringing together a wealth of research on the species' origins, feeding behaviour and breeding, along with information on movement and survival from the authors' own studies, The Common Buzzard provides an invaluable insight into exactly what has enabled this marvellous raptor to return to old haunts to impress, inspire and connect people with nature.

About the Authors

After completing a zoology degree in 1988, Sean Walls has spent 30 years working for a company making tracking equipment that enables researchers to study animal movement. He has tracked many species during this time, but his greatest focus and passion has been studying the Common Buzzard.

After 40 years of fieldwork and publishing to inform and help ecologists, with interludes for wider technology transfer, Robert Kenward now chairs groups for the IUCN. He still enjoys work with raptors and engendering stakeholder-conservation networks for global and local cooperation.