For three species of captive breeding falcons-gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), saker falcon (F. cherrug), and peregrine falcon (F. peregrinus)-a universal system of genetic identification based on multilocus microsatellite genotypes has been tested. The estimates of relatedness in the species groups of birds from breeding centers are analyzed. A set of 13 nuclear microsatellite loci makes it possible to reliably identify individuals and clarify whether individuals belong to related groups, and in some cases, it makes it possible to recognize interspecific hybrids. The results of this study can be used in breeding and introduced into the practice of forensic molecular genetic examination.

Testosterone and corticosterone are steroid hormones that regulate various aspects of bird behavior. The dynamics of blood level of these hormones depending on the stage of the life cycle have been studied in many species. It has been shown for both sexes that the levels of both hormones rise during the breeding season. We have studied changes in the level of these hormones in the northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis ) during a year. This has been the first study of this type on northern goshawk. We collected blood samples from 16 adult northern goshawks kept in pairs in aviaries in the VITASFERA Rare Bird Species Breeding Center. The testosterone level rises in males during the period of lekking and mating (March–June); however, there is no synchronous increase in females. The corticosterone level generally remains high throughout the year in both sexes. Since these are the only data on the northern goshawk, it cannot be concluded whether this is characteristic of the species as a whole or only for captive birds.

Much of the knowledge about the ontogeny of bird vocalization comes from studies on the song development in passerine birds (Passeriformes), but the evolution of vocalization in other taxa is not very well studied. Some Anseriformes and Galliformes demonstrate gradual changes in call-frequency variables throughout the development, while some Gruiformes, Coraciiformes and Columbiformes make jump-like changes. We analyzed the early vocal development in two diurnal birds of prey species from two different orders (Falconiformes and Accipitriformes): Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). All diurnal birds of prey have semi-altricial chicks that hatch sighted and stay in nests until fledging. We recorded calls from 7 Saker Falcon and 4 Northern Goshawk chicks between hatching and fledging at the Vitasfera Rare Bird Species Breeding Center. We collected 15 signals per chick every 3 days (1160 signals in total). We found two main call types in the chicks' vocal repertoire for both species: begging for food and discomfort calls. The chicks had both call types from the moment they hatched. Call-frequency and duration variables were observed only for begging for food calls. The fundamental frequency gradually decreased between hatching and fledging in both species, but was higher than that in adult birds. Duration also decreased in Saker Falcon calls, but only fluctuated in Northern Goshawk calls. According to the fundamental frequency changes we divided the period between hatching and fledging into two: the early and the late one. Thus, we confirm a gradual vocal development in diurnal birds of prey.

Abstract—We identified the main genetic characteristics of the Kamchatka–Chukotka gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) population using nine nuclear microsatellite loci. Eight loci are polymorphic, with two to 15 alleles per locus. The average number of alleles per locus is 4.44. The values of expected and observed heterozygosity lie within 0.081–0.888 and 0.085–0.781, respectively. These levels of heterozygosity are comparable. The fixation index value (0.018 ± 0.037) indicates a genotypic equilibrium and makes it possible to suggest that the study population at its current size is genetically sufficient and that there is no inbreeding. Our data have been compared with world populations. As a result, we can state that the studied population, along with the Alaskan population, comprises most of the genetic diversity of the species. The selected and tested nuclear microsatellite loci (NVH fr34, NVH fp13, NVH fp46-1, NVH fp54, NVH fp79-4, NVH fp82-2, NVH fp89, and NVH fp92-1) have been determined as suitable for both individual identification and certification of birds in captivity, as well as for programs of genetic monitoring of wild populations.