Density, nest site characteristics and breeding rates of the osprey ( P andion haliaetus ) in the southern limit of its range in the W estern P alearctic ( B oa V ista, C ape V erde I slands)

Between 2004 and 2007, we studied density, habitat features and breeding parameters of the osprey ( P andion haliaetus ) population in B oa V ista I sland ( C ape V erde). A total of 79 nest structures were identified, 37 of which were occupied for at least 1 year during the study period. The osprey population ranged between 14 and 18 pairs, and the mean density and distance between neighbouring occupied nests were 2.58 pairs per 100 km 2 and 3089 m, respectively. Occupied nests were found to be significantly further from the coastline and roads than unoccupied nests, but the distances from villages were similar. The majority (81.1%) of the 37 occupied nests were easily accessible to humans. Mean clutch size was 2.59, average productivity was 0.76 young/active nest, and breeding success was 58.8% [Correction added on 13 May 2013, after first online publication: the average productivity was changed from 0.72 to 0.76]. Density in B oa V ista was higher than that in other sedentary island populations in the W estern P alearctic, whereas the productivity was the lowest of this region. Clutch size did not vary among W estern P alearctic populations, but the differences observed in productivity were likely influenced by local factors that in B oa V ista are attributed to nest depredation by the brown‐necked raven ( C orvus ruficollis ) and to direct human persecution.