Book contents
- The Kestrel
- The Kestrel
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels
- 2 Feeding Ecology
- 3 Habitat Use
- 4 Breeding Density and Nest Site Selection
- 5 Colourations, Sexual Selection and Mating Behaviour
- 6 The Reproductive Cycle: From Egg Laying to Offspring Care
- 7 Ecological Physiology and Immunology
- 8 Environmental Toxicology
- 9 Movement Ecology
- 10 Conservation Status and Population Dynamics
- References
- Index
- Plate Section (PDF Only)
1 - Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 August 2020
Book contents
- The Kestrel
- The Kestrel
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels
- 2 Feeding Ecology
- 3 Habitat Use
- 4 Breeding Density and Nest Site Selection
- 5 Colourations, Sexual Selection and Mating Behaviour
- 6 The Reproductive Cycle: From Egg Laying to Offspring Care
- 7 Ecological Physiology and Immunology
- 8 Environmental Toxicology
- 9 Movement Ecology
- 10 Conservation Status and Population Dynamics
- References
- Index
- Plate Section (PDF Only)
Summary
The family Falconidae constitutes a group of small to medium-sized diurnal raptors whose monophyly is strongly supported. Kestrels are included in the subfamily Falconinae. There are at least 13 species that belong to the kestrel group, but recent genetic studies suggest that the number of kestrel species might be larger, possibly 16. The paleontological and molecular evidence are congruent in suggesting an evolutionary radiation of kestrels from the Late Miocene (5.6–9.8 million years ago) through the Early Pleistocene. However, the geographic area where kestrels have originated and dispersed from is as yet unclear.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The KestrelEcology, Behaviour and Conservation of an Open-Land Predator, pp. 1 - 17Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020