Red-footed Falcon

(Falco vespertinus)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Near threatened

Population size: 2020: 0 – 16 pairs (2007: 0 – 10 pairs)

Distribution pattern

At present breeds sporadically in the Sliven District. In the past mainly in the open plains of Northern and Eastern Bulgaria, more grouped in Dobrudzha and in the region of Zlatiyata. Dispersed non-permanent single nests are observed in the lower parts of Southern Bulgaria.

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: During the period 2013-2020, the species was not found in 75 squares, where it was found before the year 2013. In some of the areas, the habitats have greatly deteriorated and this explains the absence, as well as the presence of a negative trend in the breeding population of the species in the last 10 years. New localities have been established in six squares, but in most of them with low probability of breeding.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 0 pairs (0% of the population). The entire breeding population of the species is outside the boundaries of Natura 2000 Special Protection Areas.

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

The Red-legged Kestrel is one of the most characteristic species of the steppe habitats. Breeds colonially, rarely singly, in open areas with single trees, power-line structures, steppes, near meadows and open river valleys. Occupies old nests of crows (field crow, magpie).

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

Deterioration, degradation and damage of breeding and food habitats, disturbance during the breeding season and intensification in agriculture, nests robbery.

Svilen Chesmedjiev, Stoycho Stoychev