Biologia Reprodutiva de Falco sparverius nos Campos de Cima da Serra e Planalto Serrano, Sul do Brasil

Reproductive Biology of Falco sparverius in Campos de Cima da Serra and Planalto Serrano, southern Brazil. Falco sparverius is a bird of prey commonly found in the Cerrado biome, considered rare in dense forest areas. In the Tropical region, temperature and photoperiod are dominant factors for reproduction. This species typically nidificates in natural cavities or in cavities made by other bird species. The objective of this study was to asses reproductive biology data of F. sparverius in Campos de Cima da Serra (Rio Grande do Sul state) and Planalto Serrano (Santa Catarina state), from April 2008 to January 2011. The nests were located in roadside ravines along 85 km. When the occupancy of a cavity was detected, notes about its depth, height, width and entrance orientation were taken. In three years of monitoring 12 occupancies were registered in seven cavities. In total 26 eggs were laid and the average of eggs per nest was 3,7 ± 0,68. Incubation period lasted in average 31 ± 2,8 days. The mean cavity size was 35,03 ± 0,25 x 29,96 ± 0,26 mm and the mean egg weight was 16,66 ± 0,57 g. Studies about the reproductive biology of F. sparverius reveal important characteristics of