Natural-nests versus Nest-boxes: differences in reproductive parameters and body condition in American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) in Argentina

FERNANDO GABRIEL LÓPEZ; GRANDE JUAN MANUEL; PAULA MAITEN OROZCO VALOR

Skukuza- Kruger National Park

Conferencia; Raptor research foundation conference; 2018

raptor research foundation

Reproduction is the most important process in the life of any given species as it allows the persistence of its populations. Usually, reproduction is determined by several factors but with a great influence of environmental factors. The American kestrel is an obliged cavity-nester with no ability to create them. Nest site selection in cavity nesters should be influenced by the quality of the cavities as this quality can determinate breeding output. Here we compare reproductive parameters, and fledglings and adults physical condition of American kestrels from natural-nests (n=45) vs. nest-boxes (n=16) in two breeding season 2016/17 and 2017/18 in semi-arid forests in La Pampa, central Argentina. Reproductive success varied significantly among nest-types (X2= 6.8959, p-value = 0.0086, df = 1), being lower in natural-nest (31,1%) compared to nest-boxes (68,7%). The number of fledglings produced was also lower in natural-nest than in nest-boxes (X2 = 39.153, p-value =