Common kestrel

The common kestrel is a small falcon widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America.

Small falcon with distinctive male plumage: gray head, rusty back, gray tail with broad black tip. Female is brownish above, with barring on the back, wings, and tail. Note rather pointed wingtips (unlike rounded wings of Accipiter hawks), and distinct dark spotting on the breast. Inhabits open and lightly wooded country, farmlands, grasslands, and heathlands; often seen over grassy areas beside roads and at airports. Perches on wires and posts, and typically hunts by hovering, at times…

Common kestrel

The common kestrel is a small falcon widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It ccasionally reaches the east coast of North America.

The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) hunts by hovering almost stationary, 10-20m above the ground. It's eyes are capable of detecting ultraviolet light, which allows it to see the urine trails of small rodents. The kestrel preys primarily on mice, shrews and voles, which it dispatches by breaking the animals neck with its powerful bill.

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Generally speaking, the best way to tell the difference between Kestrels and Sparrowhawks is their plumage. Sparrowhawks have a plumage that overall…

American Kestrel

Common kestrel by berko109 http://ift.tt/1JctbI0

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The common kestrel is a small falcon widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and occasionally reaching the east coast of North America.

Falco tinnunculus, Common Kestrel is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is found in open and sparsely forested habitats, agricultural land and heathland. When hunting, it characteristically hovers about 10–20 m above the ground, searching for prey, either by flying into the wind or by soaring using ridge lift. Once sighted, it makes a short, steep dive toward its prey. It has keen eyesight and can see near ultraviolet light, allowing them to detect the urine trails around rodent…