Chapter 24. Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni

Abstract

The lesser kestrel is a small colonial falcon with a broad breeding distribution range, extending from the Iberian Peninsula to eastern China. Most of the biological and ecological knowledge concerning this species, including migration, has been obtained from European populations. After the end of each breeding season, these populations move preferentially northward, showing pre-migratory movements (of 100–1,000 km) that are necessary to reach rich foraging grounds where they can fuel before commencing the true migration towards Africa. European lesser kestrels migrate on a broad front across the Mediterranean Sea. There is a strong connectivity between European breeding and African non-breeding grounds, with different populations being clearly segregated also during winter. Iberian lesser kestrels show a rather different migration phenology (i.e., earlier departures and shorter travels) compared to other European birds, likely due to the geographic conformation of continents and greater proximity to wintering areas. Tracking data indicate that departures span across two months, averaging ca. September 20th. After ca. 12 days of travel, individuals arrive in the Sahel where they stay 5–6 months. The spring migration routes are similar to autumn ones, being however less straight, with more pronounced westward detours and crossings in proximity of the Gibraltar and Sicily Straits. Spring departures are concentrated in the first two weeks of March. Spring travels usually last longer than autumn ones, i.e., 18–23 days, with more time spent on stopover. The pattern of migration of Middle East and Asian populations is mostly based on anecdotal information.