The Kestrel: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation of an Open-land Predator

The Kestrel is probably not a book for those with a passing interest in kestrels, but would be a useful addition to the library of anyone who has a keen research interest in this widespread but declining falcon. The book, published by Cambridge University Press, looks at some of the not-inconsiderable volume of research that has been published on kestrels over the past 30 years in particular, since the publication of the Poyser monograph of the same title by Andrew Village in 1990. It focusses on aspects of the ecology, behaviour, and biology of kestrels but also explores the latest research on movement and conservation. I should say too that this book does not aim to be a complete update to Village’s Monograph, which it definitely isn’t, but more of a companion piece focussing on synthesising updates on specific aspect of kestrel research. Focussing primarily on the Common Kestrel, the book also provides insights into some of the other kestrel species currently recognised, comparing and contrasting research findings, although the coverage of these other species is uneven with most reference made to the American Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel.

The book itself contains a good number of maps, photographs, graphs and tables; these are all in black and white, although a small number are replicated in colour plates. The distribution maps were very difficult to read due to colour choices but that’s a small criticism. Each of the 10 chapters provides a short introduction to the subjects covered and then summarises the main findings and gaps in knowledge at the end. Chapter contents include evolution, feeding ecology, habitat use, breeding ecology, physiology, immunology, toxicology, movement ecology, conservation and population dynamics.

The scope of the book can mean it is sometimes challenging to pull out information most relevant to kestrels in the UK (if that’s your interest!) as although most of the research comes from Europe, there can be large variations in the ecology of kestrels in southern Europe and those in the north or north-west, let alone in the rest of the Common Kestrels range... I don’t think this is a failing necessarily, as in a book of this length it is probably inevitable when synthesising research across so many different ecological regions, but it may be worth noting. The authors also acknowledge that many of the studies only cover quite discreet areas, but hope that the results from these studies might stimulate others to conduct similar studies in other parts of the Common Kestrel's range. If I had to find fault it would be that at times I would get to the end of a section or chapter and feel like the main conclusion was that there was no conclusion and that more work needed to be done. This is the reality of research, but I think more in the way of a discussion on some of the findings would have made some sections more absorbing.

Overall this would seem like a expansive summary of published kestrel research bringing us right up to date. It might not be the most accessible book on kestrels out there, but this is not its purpose. The book does a commendable job of synthesising the latest information and providing plenty of references to follow up on if more detail is required. It should prove useful in helping identify research topics for any budding researchers out there or for anyone with a deep interest in these fantastic birds.

Book reviewed by Peadar O’Connell