Common kestrel
| Kestrel | ||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Falco tinnunculus |
he Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey. It belongs to the family falconidae, making it a true falcon.
The kestrel is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. The female is slightly larger than male, both are speckled brown, with the male having a blue-grey head and tail.
These birds are 34 - 38cm in length with a wingspan of 70-80cm, weighing 155g (male) and 190g (female).
It is a diurnal bird and its distinctive method of hunting renders it very visible to casual observers, especially since it often does so on the sides of busy roads. It hovers at a height of 10-20m, almost stationary, searching the ground below, then makes a short steep dive towards the target.
The kestrel's main prey is small mammals (especially voles), but they will eat small birds, large insects, even earthworms or frogs.
Also known as Cernícalo vulgar (Spanish), Gheppio (Italian), Faucon crécerelle (French), Torenvalk (Dutch), Turmfalke (German).