Kestrel Eggs

posie · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 07:36 AM

On the Dorset Wildlife Trust Webcam of a Kestrels nesting box, in the comments it states that there are 3 brown eggs and 1 white egg. I didn't know that birds laid eggs of such varied colouration. Is this normal for Kestrals, or any other birds for that matter?..Posie

astarsdad · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 11:08 AM

Hi,
I am no expert, but as far as I am aware, it is not uncommon for a species to vary their egg markings slightly, but unusual for the one bird to do so. More unusual that the markings are so dramatic as you report.
Terry

FUDGEY · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 09:28 PM

TsIT's not that uncommon, I've seen it with lots of BoP especially buzzards and sparrowhawks. The first egg laid is the most heavily marked and the last one usually is almost White or with very little markings.

posie · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

TsIT's not that uncommon, I've seen it with lots of BoP especially buzzards and sparrowhawks. The first egg laid is the most heavily marked and the last one usually is almost White or with very little markings.

Thanks FUDGEY, that's OK then, now I know. Hadn't heard of it before..Posie