Kestrels prefer scent marks according to species and reproductive status of votes

We have previously documented that European kestrels (Falco tinnunculus L.) are attracted to the scent marks of small rodents in the presence of ultra violet light (UV) but not visible light (VL). In this paper we describe lab oratory experiments used to determine if there were differences in scent ma rks of small rodents that could affect kestrel prey choice. In two laborato ry experiments made with mixed (UV + VL) light, individual kestrels were gi ven a choice of scent marks of different vole species, and reproductive cat egories. In the first experiment, kestrels preferred scent marks of mature field vole (Microtus agrestis L.) males over those of mature females or non -breeding juveniles. No difference was observed in their preference of scen t marks of females and juveniles. In the second experiment, kestrels prefer red scent marks left by sibling voles (Microtus rossiaemeridionalis Ognev) more than scent marks left by either field voles or bank voles (Clethrionom ys glareolus Schreber). Kestrels showed no difference in preference between the scent of field voles and bank voles, or between scent marks of field v oles and a control arena. Kestrels appear to be able to differentiate betwe en vole species and reproductive categories on the basis of scent marks, wh ich has potentially important consequence for prey choice and selection of breeding areas.