Abstract
The paper discusses the breeding and non-breeding distribution and population density of the Kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Slovenia, its movements, breeding biology, hunting behaviour, diet and interactions with other species. The data were collected from published works and directly from observers. The species’ breeding distribution is shown as a comparison of both national breeding bird atlases, which indicated no convincing changes in its distribution. The non-breeding season population estimate (1,000-2,000 ind.) is lower than the breeding population estimate (1,500-2,000 pairs). The Kestrel breeds at altitudes from 0 to 2,050 m a.s.l.; outside the breeding season, it has been observed at altitudes of up to 1,700 m a.s.l. At least part of the breeding population migrates, apparently more or less towards SSW. The breeding season lasts from February to July. It nests in trees, buildings, cliffs, nestboxes and on electricity pylons. In trees it uses abandoned nests of corvids. On buildings it nests mainly on ledges and in various openings. It often nests on industrial and residential buildings. On cliffs it nests in natural openings and in abandoned nests of other species. It lays 3-9 eggs, usually five. It hunts over open terrain by windhovering, active aerial pursuit and stooping onto the ground from perches. It feeds mainly on small mammals and, to a lesser extent, on passerines, reptiles and invertebrates. It interacts with other species during hunting, nest-site selection and breeding itself. Platyhelminthic, nematode, ixodid and insect parasites have all been recorded on the Kestrel