Short abstract from the book: The kestrel breeds all over Denmark and is one of the most
common raptors in Denmark. Passage migrants are observed
in August–September and April–May.
The first kestrel was ringed in Denmark in 1914, and the
number has increased over time to a maximum of 963 ringings
in 1996. Most of the recovered birds were ringed as chicks, but
passage migrants and winter visitors have also been ringed.
The autumn migration is directed SSW, but before this
migration many young kestrels migrate N. Only a proportion
of the Danish population is migratory: 27 % of the winter
recoveries of kestrels ringed as chicks are from abroad. The kestrels of western Denmark are more migratory than those from
eastern Denmark. The birds depart from Denmark in late
September and October. During winter Danish kestrels are
distributed mainly in western Europe. Some birds have been
found in North Africa. In winter females are generally found
further south than males. The route used in spring resembles
that used in autumn. Most birds have returned by the end of
May. Kestrels born in Denmark have been found breeding in
Sweden and Germany, but most seem to settle relatively close
to their place of birth (mean distance 83 km).
Passage migrants from Finland, Sweden and Norway have
been recovered in Denmark. From July to October young birds
from the Netherlands, Germany and Poland have been found
in Denmark.
Before 1970, 35 % of the kestrels recovered dead had been
shot; after 1970 that proportion decreased to 4 %. Other major
causes of death are collisions with vehicles, windows or overhead wires – these causes have increased since 1970.
Read more about the species in the chapter from The Danish Bird Migration Atlashere
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