The breeding ecology and behaviour of a colour-marked population of Brown Falcons (Falco berigora)

Abstract

This study took advantage of a large, closely monitored colour-banded population of Brown Falcons to describe aspects of this species’ breeding ecology and behaviour over three consecutive years. Both pair members aggressively defended territories throughout the year from conspecifics and other species alike. Males performed territorial displays more frequently than females, which rarely displayed unprompted. Strong differences in the types of parental care provided by each sex were evident, with females contributing most to incubation, brooding and feeding of nestlings and fledglings. Males, on the other hand, provided most of the food to both females and broods, from well before the first eggs were laid until nestlings were 2–3 weeks old. Prey deliveries were more frequent early in the morning and late in the evening; however, remains of larger prey were cached, presumably to provision the offspring more regularly throughout the day.