Monk Parakeets Provide Nesting Opportunities for the Threatened Southeastern American Kestrel

Abstract

We report on the nesting of Southeastern American Kestrels (Falco sparverius paulus) in nonnative Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) nests in Florida, USA. Two kestrel pairs nested within parakeet stick nests located on top of steel support structures at electric utility substations in Pasco County, Florida. Kestrels fledged young at both sites. The Monk Parakeet's ability to exploit anthropogenic habitats may facilitate the use of these areas by nest-site-limited species such as the Southeastern American Kestrel.