Postfledging dispersal in the endangered Lesser KestrelFalco naumanni

The Migration of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in Eastern Europe - A Ringing Recovery and Direct Observation Approach

“…Since the dates of recoveries are too early for full migration and the recovery sites host well-known large premigratory roosts (Thorpe & Holmes 1936, Minias et al 2009, Bounas et al 2016, we suggest that these individual-specific movements reflect the gathering of birds at pre-migratory sites. Such movements (even some northward ones) have already been reported in studies from the Iberian Peninsula (Bustamante & Negro 1994, Olea 2001, Catry et al 2011.…”

Observations of the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria during the period of post-breeding dispersal

“…Two lesser kestrels ringed during the breeding period on the island of Sicily were found later in this mountainous region in the period of post-breeding dispersal (Sara et al 2014). It was supposed that during the post-breeding period the lesser kestrels fly mostly to the north and towards areas of higher elevation, because in the hottest summer time the numbers of insects is much higher in such areas compared to nesting areas situated in the lowlands (Olea 2001). Comparing these data we can assume that the lesser kestrels observed feeding in the Manastirski Hills most probably originated from colonies of the species in European Turkey, where recently a stable and numerous population was reported to exist (Kmetova et al 2012).…”

“…Investigations based on colour ringing carried out in Spain show that the direction of post-breeding movements of juvenile lesser kestrels is predominantly northern, covering distances between 48 and 578 km, and on average 210 km from the location of their nest sites (Olea 2001). Part of the juveniles and the adults in Spain remain at their nest sites or in close proximity to them even until the beginning of autumn migration.…”

“…That period is known to be the time for post-breeding dispersal and formation of pre-migratory flocks of lesser kestrels in different parts of their European breeding range, in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Albania (Olea 2001, Olea et al 2004, Catry et al 2011, Sara et al 2014.…”

“…These concentrations were in almost all cases in areas rich in grasshoppers, thus providing good feeding conditions for the lesser kestrels. They consisted mainly of juvenile, first-year birds and much fewer adult birds (Olea 2001, Sara et al 2014). In the past such large concentrations of lesser kestrels also regularly formed in Bulgaria when the species was still a common breeder across the country.…”