SAFRING results

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

1. Recognition (Identification, ageing & sexing)

2. Ring totals

• Total ringed: 415
• First ringed: 1955
• Trapping method: Mistnets, Rehabilitated birds

Number of Lesser Kestrel ringed per year with SAFRING rings

3. Ring Data (Computerised records, 1975-2002)

Note: electronic records sent by ringers were extracted; no attempt was made to computerise other records.

• Number of records: 167
• Ring sizes used: 1 with 5.25 mm, 159 with 6 mm, 2 with 7 mm, 5 with 8 mm rings
• Recommended ring size: 6 mm Stainless steel
• Top ringers: 10 ringers; top 5 ringers: Mr J Esterhuizen (97), Mr J Moorcroft (51), Ms R Visagie (5), Dr H (& Z) Bernitz (4), Mr F Douwes (3)
• Bird age distribution: Unknown (42), Immature (2), Adult (72), 0-6 months (1)
• Bird sex distribution: Unknown (43), Male (60), Female (14)
• Markings: Metal only (166)
• Condition: Good (66), Rehabilitated (100)
• Birds ringed per region:

  Locality	n
  Free State, South Africa	98
  Northern Cape, South Africa	28
  Mpumulanga, South Africa	4
  Eastern Cape, South Africa	3
  Gauteng, South Africa	3
  Northwest Province, South Africa	1

Map of localities where Lesser Kestrel have been ringed, 1975-2002

4. Biometrics and moult for Lesser Kestrel

Mass data (g)

Age	n	Min	Mean	Max
Adult male	58	100	128.1	202
Adult female	14	120	166.6	245

Wing length (mm)

Age	n	Min	Mean	Max
Adult male	58	205	231.0	256
Adult female	14	228	250.6	282

Moult data

Primary moult December.

5. Recovery history (SAFRING's database)

• Number of recoveries: 3 recoveries and 0 recaptures
• Greatest distance: 6021 km (588252)
• Greatest elapsed time: 3y 3m 19d (588252)
• Causes of mortality of ringed birds:
  • Victim of weather: blown inland by gale-force winds (1)
  • Rest unknown

6. Ringing references

7. Research

None