Movements and Measurements of the Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides

Abstract

Australian Kestrels are resident, partially migratory, dispersive and nomadic. Evidence was found of regular seasonal movements northward, especially, and coastally for the winter, out of the deserts for the summer, and down from higher altitudes in the south-eastem Australia for the winter. Australian Kestrels are irregular vagrants to many areas when conditions are favourable, regardless of season. Some differences in seasonal movements between age groups and sexes were found. Body weight was greatest in autumn. Slight geographic variation was found in body measurements. Wingspan, and perhaps tarsal breadth, provide the best means of separating the sexes using measurements. First year birds and adults can probably be separated in the hand, but not consistently in the field, using plumage differences.