12. Scheme for individual marking of Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) by colour pvc ring applied in Europe

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni, Fleisher, 1818) is a rare species of falcon nesting colonial. It is mainly breeding in the settlements, occupying under roof spaces, cavities, gaps in the walls of residential, agricultural and industrial buildings, etc. The proximity of its habitats to humans and the good possibility of direct observation are the basis of numerous studies of this species in Europe. One of the methods used is the marking of individuals using standard ornithological (metal) and special coloured PVC rings. The present material presents various combinations between the background of the PVC rings and the colours of the symbols with which they are indicated, applied in Europe. There are 38 different combinations used in 7 different countries across the continent – Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Croatia which cover almost the whole breeding area of the Lesser Kestrel in Europe. Information from European Color-Ring Birding, EURING’s partner, which coordinates ringing at European level, has been used to develop the material.