Density, habitat selection and breeding biology of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in an insular environment

apsule Taller and sheltered cliffs located in rugged areas are selected for breeding and only some life history traits fit the predictions of the so‐called ‘insular’ syndrome. Aims To analyse the density and nesting habitat preferences of Buzzards on the island of Tenerife, and describe the life history traits of this population. Methods Density was studied by intensive field searching for all established pairs in a well‐defined area. Habitat features of breeding territories were compared with randomly selected sites using univariate and multivariate analysis (glm). Breeding biology was described based upon a total of 57 breeding attempts. Results Density was positively correlated with estimated surface of forested areas. The best model explaining characteristics of territory used for nesting reflected land ruggedness, nest shelter and distance to the nearest Barbary Falcon breeding site. Mean clutch size was 2.60 ± 0.82, productivity was 1.68 ± 0.97 and the percentage of successful pairs was 84.2%. Conclusions Buzzards mainly use cliffs to nest, especially taller and sheltered ones, located in rugged areas and in sympatry with Barbary Falcons. Characteristics of breeding territory did not predict productivity. All reproductive rates were similar to those reported for some continental populations except nesting success, which was higher.Peer reviewe