Nesting biology of the aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis) at Parque Nacional das Emas, Central Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate aspects of the nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis (Temminck, 1822), at Parque Nacional das Emas, Brazil. Woodland (Campo Cerrado) firebreaks were searched for nests in October 2006 and October 2009 by driving a vehicle along a road adjacent to these fire managed vegetation strips. Most (62%) of the eight nests found were in canopies of fruiting Pouteria torta trees. Nests were at 2.2–3.8 m above ground. Invariably, clutch size was of three cream eggs and nestlings had a white plumage in the first days of life. For two active nests, adults also defended an additional empty nest located in the surroundings. No evidences of nest destruction or predation were detected. Falco femoralis successfully uses firebreaks for breeding at Parque Nacional das Emas.