POST-FLEDGING DEPENDENCE PERIOD IN THE EURASIAN KESTREL (FALCO TINNUNCULUS) IN WESTERN FRANCE

摘要

The post-fledging dependence period (PDP) of 25 Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) fledglings was studied in a coastal marsh in western France in 2002 and 2003. Body condition at fledging was the only parameter that had a positive effect on the length of the PDP, which averaged 18 d (range 3-31 d). Mean daily distance from the nest increased 15 m per day until independence, and mean area used during the PDP was 7.3 ha. Male kestrels provided food for fledglings during the PDP (though decreasing their delivery rate with time). Females stopped feeding their young 3 d after they fledged. First fledglings received more food than others and food per fledgling decreased with brood size.