FEEDING HABITS OF THE LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD (BUTEO RUFINUS) DURING BREEDING IN NORTHEASTERN GREECE

ABSTRACT

The feeding habits of the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) were studied in the Evros area in northeastern Greece during the breeding season. In terms of biomass, the diet consisted of 59% mammals, 27% reptiles, 13% birds, 0.6% insects, and 0.4% centipedes. Prey carried to nests consisted of 58% mammals, 37% reptiles, 1% birds, and 1% amphibians; 3% unidentified. A combined analysis of pellets and prey remains was used to describe the most important prey types. Avian prey were significantly less frequent in pellets in the summer than in the spring; insects were significantly more numerous in the summer. Significantly higher numbers of reptiles were found in pellets from nests in hilly areas than from those in areas on the plains.