Reproductive performance of Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculusin an agricultural landscape with a mosaic of land uses

There are serious concerns about the environmental and ecological degradation caused by modern agriculture and its impact on animal populations. There is therefore a need to assess the reproductive performance of free-living animals in agricultural landscapes. We undertook a 4-year study on the reproductive biology of Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus in the Parma district of Italy. Kestrels breeding in areas of intensive agriculture delayed egg-laying and their offspring were in poorer condition compared with those breeding in areas of temporary or permanent grasslands. However, egg volume and fledging success were similar among sites. The availability of temporary and permanent grasslands may limit the negative impacts of intensive agriculture on the breeding activity of Kestrels