Common Kestrel

Background

An excellent hunter with outstanding visual senses, the Common Kestrel can see subtle movements of long grasses and small insects. This bird is usually diurnal, meaning that they hunt during the day, however they have occasionally been observed searching for prey during moonlight.

Habitat

Residing throughout southern and the most northern tips of Africa, most of Europe and southern Asia. Localised habitats include mountains, open habitats, grasslands and deserts with shrubs and trees.

Diet

The diets of this species is extremely broad from small mammals, such as rodents to insects.

Predators & Threats

Whilst classified as a top hunter there are several threats to the Kestrel such as Peregrine Falcons, Sparrowhawks, owls and Northern Goshawks. Man-caused fatalities mainly revolve around hunting and pesticides.

Facts

• The Kestrel has an elongated middle toe which it uses to grasp and hook prey.
• They possess long tail feathers that they use to hover.

Best Time to Look

All year round.