Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
The Kestrel is a common and widespread bird of prey in Britain, typically seen hovering over open countryside, grasslands, and urban areas, particularly during the breeding season from March to August. It can be spotted throughout the year, although numbers may decrease slightly during the winter months.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Kestrel in the field.
The Kestrel can be identified by its slate-grey wings, buff-coloured underside with black spots, and a distinctive black stripe above its eye, as well as its long, pointed wings and tail. Its hovering behaviour is also a key identification feature.
The Kestrel is slightly smaller than a Crow, but larger than a Blackbird, with a typical length of around 35-40 cm.
The male Kestrel has a grey head, wings, and tail, with a buff-coloured underside and black spots, while its back and wings are a slate-grey colour with a blue-grey sheen.
The female Kestrel is similar to the male, but with a more brownish tint to her grey plumage, and a less distinct black stripe above her eye.
The Kestrel's call is a sharp, high-pitched "kee-kee-kee" or "chay-chay-chay", often repeated in a series of short, rapid phrases.
Kestrels are known for their unique hunting behaviour, where they hover in mid-air, scanning the ground below for small mammals, insects, and other prey, before swooping down to catch their quarry, and they can often be seen perched on a fence post or telephone wire.
The Kestrel can be confused with the Peregrine Falcon or the Sparrowhawk, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, more slender wings, and distinctive hovering behaviour, as well as its buff-coloured underside with black spots.
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