Short abstract from the book: The buzzard is the most common raptor in Denmark with an
estimated population of 5,000 breeding pairs. In autumn and
spring great numbers pass Denmark on their migration and
furthermore great numbers winter in Denmark.
In Denmark the first buzzard was ringed in 1902, with the
number increasing over time to a maximum of 293 ringings
in 1987. The majority of the recovered birds were ringed as
chicks, but some passage migrants and winter visitors have also
been ringed in traps.
Only a proportion of the Danish population is migratory:
30 % of the winter recoveries of buzzards ringed as chicks are
from abroad. Young immature birds seem to be more migratory than older birds. The autumn migration of the migratory buzzard is SW. During winter, Danish buzzards have been
recovered in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
The first Danish birds are recovered south of Denmark in
October. The Danish buzzards return in March. Many buzzards settle to breed close to their birthplace.
Many buzzards from Sweden (especially central Sweden)
and some from Norway and Finland have been ringed or
recovered in Denmark, most from October to March. Some
young buzzards from the Netherlands and Germany have
been recovered in Denmark in their first or second year of life.
During winter most foreign buzzards are found in eastern
and southern Denmark. Many winter visitors seem to be faithful to their winter quarters, and some have been caught at
the same site in different years.
About one quarter of the buzzards recovered dead have
been hunted. Before 1970, 38 % had been shot and after
1970 the proportion decreased to 7 %. Another major cause
of death is collisions with vehicles. Before 1970, 2 % were
reported after collisions; after 1970 this proportion increased
to 20 %.
Read more about the species in the chapter from The Danish Bird Migration Atlashere
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