Diet composition and diversity of the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus over 30 years on coastal Mediterranean islands, France
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30456/avo.31001Parole chiave:
Falco peregrinus, diet composition, prey remains, Mediterranean, islands, falconidaeAbstract
ObjectivesWe aimed to provide a long-term, comprehensive description of Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus diet composition and diversity on coastal Mediterranean islands, near a major urban area, at breeding and non-breeding seasons.
MethodsWe identified prey species from 87 remain samples of F. peregrinus preys year-round collected on 6 islands near Marseille, France (1995-2024). Prey relative abundance, biomass, and diversity indices were calculated. Seasonal, spatial, and temporal variations in diversity indices and prey taxa abundances were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis tests and generalized linear models.
ResultsWe identified 4,483 prey individuals across 180 species (i.e., species richness), with birds <200 g dominating the diet. Shannon diversity index indicated high diversity, while inverse Simpson index and Pielou’s evenness suggested moderate dominance by a few species. The most consumed taxa were small insectivorous passerines (19% abundance, 4% biomass), followed by Phasianidae (15%, 15%) (mainly Common Quail Coturnix coturnix), Apodidae (14%, 6%), Columbidae (11%, 25%), Turdidae (10%, 8%), and Sturnidae (8%, 6%) (Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris). During the breeding season, species richness and Shannon diversity were higher, while inverse Simpson and evenness were lower; Apodidae, Phasianidae and Columbidae were more consumed, and Turdidae and Sturnidae more abundant in the non-breeding season. Urban vicinity islands showed higher richness and Shannon index but lower evenness than remote and uninhabited islands, with Phasianidae and Columbidae more abundant and Apodidae and small insectivorous passerines less abundant. Temporal trends indicated declines in Common Quail remains over 30 years.
ConclusionOur 30-year study provides insights into Peregrine Falcon feeding ecology and highlights the high dietary diversity and trophic flexibility of Peregrine Falcons on Mediterranean coastal islands. Temporal, seasonal, and small-scale variations in the contribution of prey species to the diet may reflect factors related to prey ecology, including long-term trends in prey populations and their localized availability at or near nesting sites, stopover areas, and along a coastal flyway.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yves Kayser, Marion Fiorentino, Elie Gaget, Patrick Bayle
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Accettato 2026-06-08
Pubblicato 2026-07-28
