Nest-site selection and breeding success in the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

摘要

Nest site occupancy by Lesser Kestrels was studied in three colonies located in\udchurches in southern Spain. Occupied nest-holes were located significantly higher\udthan unused potential nest-holes. Precise nest dimensions, on the other hand,\udseemed to be of secondary importance. As breeding success was positively\udcorrelated with the height on the nest, we suggest that Lesser Kestrels selceted the\udhighest positions to avoid predation and disturbance (by carnivores or humans).\udAdditionally, 78% of all breeding attempts were in previously ooccupied nestholes\udand were more successful than attetmts in holes used only once during the\ud3-yearstudy. The fact that re-occupied, and hence preferred , nest registered earlier\udlaying dates, suggests that a hierarchy might by established at the time of\udselcecting the nest site, This hierarchy would be determined by the different times\udof arrival of each individual at the ecolony after the winter.