Category: Falconidae

First evidence of sex differences in the durationof avian embryonic period: consequences forsibling competition in sexually dimorphic birds

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Science Article 7 abstract Parental favoritism in birds would be enhanced if parents can control any egg feature influencing the ontogeny of the embryo during incubation. Egg size and composition may influence the duration of incubation and hatching periods, and eggs bearing embryos of different sex may differ in size and composition. […]

Eurasian Hobby density, nest area occupancy, diet, and productivity in relation to intensive agriculture

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Hobby (Falco subbuteo) Science Article 1 abstract A Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) population of 13-18 breeding pairs was studied for 6 years from 1987 to 1995 in a 62 km2 study area located within the seasonal flood zones of the PO River plain in northern Italy and characterized by intensive farmland interspersed with poplar (Populus […]

Woodpigeons nesting in association with hobby falcons:advantages and choice rules

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Hobby (Falco subbuteo) Science Article 2 abstract Many bird species nest in close association with other bolder and more aggressive birds which provideprotection against nest predators. The woodpigeons, Columba palumbus, that nest in poplar plantations inNorthern Italy are found almost exclusively clumped around hobby, Falco subbuteo, nests. Woodpigeonssettle in the area and build their nests […]

Diving speeds and angles of a gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) Science Article 1 abstract An optical tracking device recorded the threedimensional paths of 11 dives by a 1.02 kg gyrfalcon, trained to dive to a falconer. The dives started at altitudes up to 500 m above the ground and were inclined at angles of 17-62 deg from the horizontal. The falcon controlled […]

Southern Extension to the Breeding Range of the Gyrfalcon,Falco rusticolus, in Eastern North America

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) Science Article 2 abstract We report the observation of four gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) nests and several adults south of the previouslyrecognized southern limit of the species’ breeding distribution in eastern North America. Our southernmost observation extendsthe known breeding range approximately 400 km to the south. The northern forest tundra biome could delineate […]

Soaring Flight in the Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae)

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Eleonoras Falcon (Falco eleonorae) Science Article 3 abstract Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae)breeds in the Mediterranean region and is highlyadapted for catching small birds on passage migrationbetween Eurasia and their African winter quarters,which they feed their young.We studied glidingflight behavior of Eleonora’s Falcon at a breeding colonylocated on a small island southwest of Sardinia,Italy. Gliding and […]

The study of nest-site preferences in Eleonora’s falcon Falco eleonoraethrough digital terrain models on a western Mediterranean island

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Eleonoras Falcon (Falco eleonorae) Science Article 2 abstract This study addresses nesting-site preferences in Eleonora’s falcon Falco eleonorae by means of geographic information systems and high-quality high-resolution digital terrain models (DTMs). A small western Mediterranean archipelago (Columbretes Islands) with a colony of 34 pairs was chosen as a case study. Overall, 21 grid variables obtained […]

Flight performance during hunting excursions in Eleonora’s falcon Falco eleonor

Falconidae, Falconiformes

Eleonoras Falcon (Falco eleonorae) Science Article 1 abstract Among birds, falcons are high-performance flyers, in many cases adapted for rial hunting and hence suitable targets for investigating limits to flight performance. Using an optical range finder, we measured flight tracks of Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonor ), a species breeding in the Mediterranean region and specialised […]