Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Family Falconidae, subfamily Falconidae

A common true falcon, widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. The female is slightly larger than male, both are speckled browns, with the male having a blue-grey head and tail. They are 34 - 38cm in length with a wingspan of 70-80cm, weighing 155g (male) and 190g (female).

It is a diurnal bird and it's 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 followed by 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 (Spain), Gheppio (Italy), Faucon crécerelle (France), Torenvalk (Holland), Turmfalke (Germany)