Common kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

A small falcon widespread from Eurasia to Africa, known for hovering in place while scanning the ground for prey.

Key facts

Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Falconiformes · Falconidae.
Primary habitats are grassland · urban · mountains, with a range across Palearctic · Afrotropical · Indomalayan.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
A small falcon widespread from Eurasia to Africa, known for hovering in place while scanning the ground for prey.
Uses grassland, farmland, rough ground, mountains, and towns, favoring open areas with good visibility.

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Uses grassland, farmland, rough ground, mountains, and towns, favoring open areas with good visibility.

It has narrow wings and a long tail. Males show a gray head and tail with a rufous back, while females are browner and barred.

It holds position in the wind, then drops quickly onto prey. Perches include poles, cliffs, and buildings.

Rodents, small birds, large insects, and lizards are caught, with insects becoming important in some seasons and regions.

Cliffs, buildings, old nests, and nest boxes are used, with eggs laid in cavities or ledges rather than a built nest.

A familiar farmland raptor, it can also breed on tall urban buildings.