Behavior and activity of rehabilitated common buzzards (_Buteo buteo_) released in northern Italy

The behavior and habitat hunting of 16 rehabilitated Common buzzards (Buteo buteo) released in northern Italy were analyzed. The buzzards were released individually in different seasons, and their activity was recorded continuously for at least the first 3 d after release and intermittently thereafter until they dispersal from the release site. The birds remained in the surrounding area for more than 100 d, showing a progressive acclimation to the new environment. The released buzzards interacted frequently with wild territorial conspecifics and were attacked by several species of corvids, especially the hooded crow (Corvus corone). Nevertheless, such interactions were not the direct cause of dispersal. Some birds defended a territory adjacent to or inside that of a wild buzzard. Prey capture was almost normal, although certainly underestimated. Small mammals and reptiles were most often caught. Although the area chosen for this study had high human population, this was not a major source of interference with the releases. Thus, the buzzards appeared to be able to cope with their new environment being minimally influenced by having been in captivity.