The predatory behaviour of captive wild kestrel, falco tinnunculus l.

Abstract

The predatory behaviour of captive wild kestrels was investigated to ascertain whether prolonged captivity, with no predation opportunities, could affect prey capture. Thirty kestrels were observed. After a 48-hour fast they were offered a live laboratory mouse. The behaviour before and after prey appearance, and latency to predation were recorded. There was no difference in capture efficiency correlated with kestrel age, but adults performed preening significantly more often than young birds. Moreover, a clear inverse correlation was found between the latency of preening and of predation. Therefore, prolonged captivity associated with inactivity does not seem to exert a negative influence on predation in this species. © 1989 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.