Breeding of the Long-legged Buzzard in Olexandriya district of Kirovograd region. - Shevtsov A.O. - Berkut. 10 (1). 2001. P. 63-66.
The Long-legged Buzzard is a rare species, included in Red Book of Ukraine. 6 nests and 2 territorial pairs were found in the district during 1990-2000. Population density amounts to 1 pair on 120 km2. Ravine forests and forest belts are the main breeding habitats. In spring first birds arrive in the second half of March and in the first decade of April. 85,7 % of nests were built in oaks, only one (14,3 %) – in an old pear (n = 7). Full clutches had from 2 to 4 eggs, on average 2,7 (n = 8). Measurements of eggs, mm (n = 11): 57,5-61,7 õ 44,4-49,0, on average 59,5 õ 46,9. Hatchlings appeared since 1.05 till 19.05. Broods had 1-4 nestlings, on average 2,3 (n = 6). Parents feed them 45-52 days, on average 48,3 days (n = 3). Buzzards raised 1-3 fledged youngs, on average 1,3 youngs per successful pair (n = 6). They leave nests since 21.06 till 2.07. Rodents made 77,7 % of nestlings’ ration, birds – 22,3 %. Spalax microphtalmus was the commonest prey (44,4 %). [Ukrainian].
Key words: Long-legged Buzzard, Buteo rufinus, Kirovograd region, ecology, breeding, nest, egg, feeding.
Address: A.O Shevtsov, Heroyiv Stalingradu str. 19/26, 28008 Olexandriya, Kirovograd region, Ukraine.