Observations on the diet of Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in the non-breeding season within the range of Greater White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula) and Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) in southern Ireland

The diet of the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) was studied at five sites in east Cork and west Waterford in the non-breeding season during January 2018 to December 2021. The results show that the invasive Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) (61 %) and Greater White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula) (21...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inIrish naturalists' journal Vol. 39; pp. 36 - 39
Main Author Smiddy, Patrick
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Dublin Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd 12.12.2022
Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd, c/o National Museum of Ireland – Natural History
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Ireland
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Summary:The diet of the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) was studied at five sites in east Cork and west Waterford in the non-breeding season during January 2018 to December 2021. The results show that the invasive Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) (61 %) and Greater White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula) (21 %) made up most of the diet. Numbers varied from site to site, peaking at 83 % for the vole at Currabeha and 26 % for the shrew at Ballynatray. The Kestrel has declined in the breeding season and is now a Red-listed species. The results presented here indicate a decline also in the non-breeding season as only one of the five sites was occupied throughout the study period.
ISSN:0021-1311