Features
They are birds of prey from the falcon family.
Species |
Bird |
Living space |
Conifer forest, Deciduous forest, Field, Meadow |
Size |
|
Description
Common kestrels are small, slender falcons with long wings and long tails. The tops of the males' heads are blue-gray along with their cheeks and the very top is brownish red with black longitudinal spots. The undersides of these birds are creamy white with long dark spots and their tails are ash grey with a black edge. The females have cinnamon brown heads and backs and red-brown striped tails.
The easiest way to recognize the common kestrel is by the way it floats frequently through the air as it searches for prey from a height of 10-20 m and the rapid swinging of the wings. The common kestrels mostly feed on rodents, but will also feed on insects, occasionally on lizards and small birds.
The common kestrel makes its home in open landscapes, trees in fields, the edges of forests and also in the city. They nest in April and May and have one litter. Their nests are built on rocks, buildings and in trees.