BREEDING BIOLOGY OF THE GREATER KESTREL

Abstract

Summary Hustler, Kit. 1983. Breeding biology of the Greater Kestrel. Ostrich. 54:129-140. The breeding biology of a pair of Greater Kestrels was studied from July to December 1980 near Krugersdorp, South Africa. The role of the sexes during the pre-courtship, courtship, incubation and nestling periods was recorded. The nest was usurped from a pair of Pied Crows Corvus albus. Courtship lasted 6 weeks from August to mid-September and nine different displays were recorded. Incubatory behaviour began at least a week before the eggs were laid. The male incubated for 23% and the female for 72% of the daylight time observed until the eggs hatched. A nestling period of about 32 days was recorded. Hunting was by hovering or from perches. Prey consisted of invertebrates before incubation, when vertebrates became the staple prey. The male attacked displaying intruders during courtship but otherwise ignored intruding conspecifics. The female responded to displaying intruders at courtship, but chased intruding conspecifics at all other stages of the nesting cycle.