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

Photo ©

Photo © Val Redman

Photo © Tony Gunton