Natural-nests versus Nest-boxes: Differences in Reproductive Parameters and Body Condition in American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in Argentina

OROZCO-VALOR, P. M.; LÓPEZ, F. G.; BERKUNSKY, IGOR; GRANDE, J. M.

Conferencia; Raptor Research Foundation 2018 Conference; 2018

RRF-Endangered Wildlife Trust-BirdLife South Africa

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. 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 reproductiveparameters, and physical condition of fledgling and adult American kestrels from natural-nests (n=45) and nest-boxes (n=16). We sampled overtwo breeding seasons 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), and was lower in naturalnest (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 =