Kestrel
Adult male
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae Genus: Falco Species: tinnunculus
Binomial name
Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758

The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey belonging to the falcon family Falconidae.

This species is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Kestrel is relatively small compared to other predatory birds, but larger than most songbirds. Kestrels have long wings as well as a distinctive long tail. The kestrel's plumage is brown or gray with black spots, and the male has a blue-gray head and tail.

Kestrels measure 34-38 cm from head to tail, with a wingspan of 70-80 cm. The average adult male weighs about 155 g, and the female weighs about 190 g.

Kestrels are diurnal and prefer an "open country" habitat found in fields, heaths, and marshland. When hunting, the Kestrel hovers, almost stationary, about 10-20 m above the ground searching for prey. Once prey is sighted, the Kestrel makes a short, steep dive toward the target.

Kestrels prey upon small mammals, including voles, as well as small birds, large insects, earthworms and frogs.

Kestrels nest on buildings or reuse the old nests of corvids.

There are several other falcons named as kestrels; these include the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) and the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumannii).

External links

• Kestrels in Israel