Habitat use of common kestrel (Falconiformes: Falconidae) during winter season, from Eastern Romania

Abstract

The habitat use and weather influence for Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) wintering population of Eastern Romania was studied. During cold period common kestrel use pasture and herbaceous vegetation (wi = 2.48) and strongly avoid closed habitats, as fruit tree plantations, vineyards and natural and artificial forests. Common kestrel tends to maintain the same hunting area for the entire cold season. They use the same place and also, their number and sex composition was relatively constant during winter months. Regarding GLM analysis, it has shown that the number of common kestrels is independent of weather-related variables, altitude and distance to the nearest settlement. This independence can be explained by their preference to the same hunting area. Common kestrels do not depend on agricultural management during cold season but, they are influenced by pasture and herbaceous association areas, as they use the same hunting sites during whole season.