Autumn migration of the Red-footed Falcon, Falco vespertinus, at Akrotiri Peninsula, Cyprus 2009-2019 (Aves: Falconiformes)

Abstract

Cyprus is an important stopover area for the Red-footed Falcon, a raptor of global conservation concern. We surveyed the migrant population at Akrotiri Peninsula from 2009 to 2019. Birds were counted from September to November. Annual total was on average 662 birds, ranging from 106 to 1331 birds. This exceeds 1% of the European flyway population. Peak passages occurred from late September to mid-October with a median date on 6 October. The migrating population was stable over the years with no significant overall trend (p>0.05). Little is known on the source population migrating through Akrotiri Peninsula, and the relationship between the peninsula and other stopover areas in the eastern Mediterranean.

Keywords:

• Bird migration
• stopover areas
• eastern Mediterranean
• Mediterranean islands
• raptors

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to field staff of the Game and Fauna Service for technical and field assistance during the bird counts: E. Agathokleous, G. Aristotelous, K. Demetriou, H. Hadjistyllis, A. Lountzides, P. Pirikkis, G. Pitharides, and P. Prastitis, as well as P. Charilaou, T. Hadjikyriakou and V. Michael (SBA Administration and Akrotiri Environmental Education Center). Many thanks also to J. V. G. Rubalcaba for the statistical analysis and Max Kasparek and an anonymous reviewer for comments that improved the quality of the manuscript.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.