| Summary: | Abstract TOMEŠEK, M., ČERMÁK, P.: The food spectrum of sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus L.) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus L.) in the Chřiby Upland. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun., 2009, LVII, No. 2, pp. 145-150 In 2006-2008, mapping the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus L.) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus L.) occurred in the SE part of the Chřiby Upland. At the same time, the food spectrum of these birds of prey was determined during nesting periods. The area under monitoring represented about 25-30 km 2 . In each of the species, food was always monitored in a period from February to July at four nesting localities. The food spectrum was analysed by the direct observation of birds of prey, according to le overs of food in the surroundings of nests and in nests of the predators. In Accipiter nisus, the food spectrum consisted of birds (85 %), mammals (3 %) and other animals (12 %). Turdus merula was the most frequent prey. In Falco tinnunculus, the food spectrum consisted of birds (18 %), mammals (76 %) and other animals (6 %). Microtus arvalis was unambiguously the most frequent prey. Accipiter nisus, Falco tinnunculus, food spectrum This paper deals with the food spectrum of two bird of prey species living in the hilly agriculturalforest country of the Chřiby Upland, namely sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus L.) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus L.). Both predators are virtually of the same size but diff er in their nesting bionomy and food. In recent years, populations of both species show stabilized and slightly increasing character in the CR a er declines in the eighties. Nevertheless, detailed fi ndings on the food spectrum are virtually insuffi cient. Literature sources on the food ecology of these preda tors are rather obsolete (particularly as for sparrowhawk). MATERIALS AND METHODS The food composition of feathered birds of prey can be determined by various methods (Mlíkovský, 1998). Since the studied nesting localities were known very well the method of direct monitoring could be used. Particular nesting ...
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