Long-Range Movements of Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Southwestern Spain Revealed by GPS Tracking

Abstract

ABSTRACT European ringing records reveal that the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) shows a continuum of migratory behavior, ranging from long- and medium-distance migratory populations in northern and central Europe to resident ones in southern and western Europe, with partially migratory populations in between. In the southern half of Spain, the species is described as resident. With high resolution solar GPS data loggers on 17 adult Common Kestrels (seven males and 10 females) in two study areas in southwestern Spain, we documented four cases of long-range movements between 2018 and 2019. Three females engaged in these journeys during the nonbreeding season, but there was no relationship between the occurrence of these events and the sex of tagged kestrels. We found a strong individual variation in duration, direction, distance, and timing of travel. Our results suggest that the Common Kestrel behaves as a partial migrant in southwestern Spain. The observed variation in movement patterns reflects the flexibility documented in dispersive migrants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report Common Kestrel seasonal movements using high resolution movement data.