A Winter Population Study of the American Kestrel in Central Ohio

Individually marked American Kestrels studied in central Ohio showed definite winter territoriality. Winter population density was much higher and territory size was smaller than in similar studies done in Illinois and Michigan. Presence of a roost may be an important part of a territory. The population was quite dynamic, peaking in late December, dropping to a low in late January which correlated with cold weather and snow, and peaking again in February. During most of the study females outnumbered males by more than 2 to 1.