Red-footed Falcon
Falco vespertinus
The Red-footed Falcon is a rare but occasional visitor to Britain, typically seen during the summer months, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, as it migrates between its breeding grounds in eastern Europe and Asia and its wintering grounds in Africa. It is a bird of prey that can be spotted in a variety of habitats, including open countryside and coastal areas.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Red-footed Falcon in the field.
The Red-footed Falcon can be identified at a glance by its slender body, long wings, and distinctive red feet and legs, as well as its greyish-brown upperparts and pale underside with dark streaks. Its wings are also notable for their long and pointed shape, with a narrow tip.
The Red-footed Falcon is slightly smaller than a Kestrel, with a length of around 28-30 cm, making it a relatively small but agile bird of prey.
The male Red-footed Falcon has a slate-grey back and wings, with a pale grey crown and nape, and a white forehead and underside, streaked with dark brown on the breast and belly, while its red feet and legs are a distinctive feature.
The female Red-footed Falcon is similar to the male but has a browner back and wings, with a more pronounced streaking on the underside, making it slightly more camouflaged than the male.
The Red-footed Falcon's call is a high-pitched, sharp "kek-kek-kek" or "chee-chee-chee", often repeated in a series of short bursts, and is typically heard during the breeding season or when the bird is alarmed or in flight.
The Red-footed Falcon is a skilled hunter, using its agility and speed to catch insects and small birds in mid-air, and can often be seen flying low over open countryside or perched on a fence post or tree branch, scanning for prey.
The Red-footed Falcon can be confused with the Kestrel or the Hobby, but can be distinguished from these species by its red feet and legs, as well as its more slender body and longer, more pointed wings, and its distinctive call and hunting behaviour.
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