First evidence of widespread nocturnal activity of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Southern Italy

Abstract

We report here the first description of recorded nocturnal activity of the Lesser Kestrel in Italy. Using accurate GPS data-loggers on nine birds, we registered widespread nocturnal flights with distances from nests up to 19 km. At night, Lesser Kestrels were active even in areas with no artificial illumination. When comparing night-time and daytime periods, we found significant differences for 5-minute flight length and instantaneous flight speed, whereas distance from nest did not significantly differ. We conclude that the need for food during the reproductive period imposes also nocturnal activities to this typically diurnal species. Our study suggests that the Lesser Kestrel might not be a strictly diurnal species. Our findings are now considered by the Alta Murgia National Park and local municipalities in order to refine their conservation strategies by assigning higher conservation priority to areas used by Lesser Kestrels during both daytime and night-time.