Abstract
The Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a diurnal raptor that has been associated with urban areas for several decades and has gotten used to living within cities all over Europe. At the same time, the population trend shows a slow decline on a continental level. In our study, we combined and compared observations introduced in the national database Ornitodata during the years 2021 and 2022 with our data from 2022 and 2023. The quantitative data shows a positive trend in the population compared to the previous year. The 52 individuals present within the city in 2022 were grouped in areas defined as favourable, and for the 11 breeding pairs observed all fledged at least one chick. We have also determined a preference for nesting on the roofs or in the attics of tall buildings, located very close to the green areas that serve as hunting grounds. During the colder months, a large part of the population migrates either to the outskirts or outside of the city. Analysing two sets of pellets from one breeding pair, we have found that the main prey items were small rodents, followed by insects and birds. We have also observed the birds’ interaction with the urban habitat and present data regarding the benefits and challenges of synanthropization for this kestrel species.