Belongs to: birds of prey
Compare with: sparrowhawk
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Also known as: windhover
Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List
Best time to see: all year
Key facts
Common rust-coloured raptor often seen hovering over motorway verges
Habitat: fields, marshes, moors, heath, forests and towns
Common and widespread resident
Recognition
Male: grey and brown raptor with pointed wings; female brown, streaked
Flight very strong and powerful, hovering frequently; sits on telegraph wires and posts
Eats birds and small mammals
Lifecycle
Nest is a bare ledge or hole
1 Brood April June ; 4-5 white eggs, heavily speckled brown
- Main photo
- female
- at nest
.jpg)
Photo ©
.jpg)
Photo © Val Redman
.jpg)
Photo © Tony Gunton