Vertebrate diet of the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and barn owl (Tyto alba) in rain-fed crops: implications to the pest control programs

Damage associated with rodent’s outbreaks is common in the actual intensive agriculture. In order to reduce these economic losses, the placement of nest boxes for raptors could be a useful alternative to the chemical control programs. Barn owl (Tyto alba) and common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) are two of the most commonly used species as rodent biological controls. The increase of the density of these two raptors is able to reduce the rodent’s...