Diversity of raptors and nest sites characteristics in an urban area in Southern Chile

Abstract

Urban areas form a complex, heterogeneous, fragmented mosaic of habitats, including ecosystems in different degrees of alteration. Nevertheless, some species of birds of prey can thrive in cities. But, there is a knowledge gap regarding the species of birds of prey that who inhabit the cities in Chile, especially those that reproduce in it. Hence, we work in Valdivia, a city that preserves an important natural matrix. The object of this study was to characterize the diversity, abundance, and nest sites of diurnal and nocturnal raptors in the urban area of a city in southern Chile. Twelve species of raptor were recorded, seven diurnal and five nocturnal, 63.1% of the species expected for neighboring rural areas. Twenty-seven nesting sites were recorded two of diurnal raptors and four nocturnal raptors. The availability of nesting sites close to feeding sites, distance to houses, and grassland-shrub cover are essential factors for the success of raptor populations. Cities like Valdivia could offer suitable nesting sites for reproduction, helping to restore habitats for birds of prey.