Red–footed falcon: Red Data Book of Armenia

Falcons and caracaras – Falconidae

Status. A threatened species. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); D1.

Distribution. Europe, Western Siberia.

Distribution in Armenia. The districts of Artashat, Hoktemberian and Ejmiadzin, especially the Arax basin and its tributaries. The nesting sites are known near the Tsaghkadzor village in the Hrazdan district. Belongs to the nesting and migratory birds of Armenia.

Habitats. Lives in semi–deserts and grasslands with patches of forests or separate trees, often in riversides or nearby the lakes, sometimes in sparse forests and forest edges, at elevations up to 1500 m above sea level. Habitat loss is large–scale because of human activities.

Biological traits. The aerie is built on a tree, seldom on old building walls or upon the roofage. Eggs (2–4, rarely 6) are laid in late May to early June. The brooding lasts 28–39 days and is done by both parents. Hatchlings emerge in late June to early July. Juveniles are recorded before the period of late July – late August. Preys usually on different insects, small reptiles and rodents, sometimes on small birds.

Population size and its trends. Unknown. No nests were found in recent surveys.

Major threats. Possibly, habitat loss and reduction of prey base.

Conservation measures. It is essential to raise public awareness, identify and stringently protect the nesting sites.