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Sex-related differences in habitat associations of wintering American Kestrels in California's Central Valley

Journal of Raptor Research
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3356/JRR-10-66.1

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Abstract

We used roadside survey data collected from 19 routes over three consecutive winters from 2007–08 to 2009–10 to compare habitat associations of male and female American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in the Central Valley of California to determine if segregation by sex was evident across this region. As a species, American Kestrels showed positive associations with alfalfa and other forage crops like hay and winter wheat, as well as grassland, irrigated pasture, and rice. Habitat associations of females were similar, with female densities in all these habitats except rice significantly higher than average. Male American Kestrels showed a positive association only with grassland and were present at densities well below those of females in alfalfa, other forage crops, and grassland. Males were present in higher densities than females in most habitats with negative associations for the species, such as orchards, urbanized areas, and oak savannah. The ratio of females to males for each route was positively correlated with the overall density of American Kestrels on that route. Our findings that females seem to occupy higher quality habitats in winter are consistent with observations from elsewhere in North America.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Sex-related differences in habitat associations of wintering American Kestrels in California's Central Valley
Series title Journal of Raptor Research
DOI 10.3356/JRR-10-66.1
Volume 45
Issue 3
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher BioOne
Description 8 p.
First page 236
Last page 243
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Central Valley
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