Kestrel: Master of Hovering Flight

The kestrel, a graceful bird of prey in Europe, is famous for its hovering flight. Discover everything about its hunting technique, appearance, and habitats.

Shortlist

• The kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is 31–37 cm long and found year-round across Europe.
• Primary diet: mice, lizards, fledglings, and insects.
• Typical habitats: farmland, cities, and mountains.
• Signature behavior: the hovering flight – perfectly still in midair while hunting.
• Males have a bluish-gray head and tail; females are less contrasting with a banded tail.

Key Facts

• Scientific Name: Falco tinnunculus
• Size: 31–37 cm
• Weight: Not specified
• Habitat: Farmland, heathlands, moors, mountains, urban areas
• Diet: Field mice, voles, lizards, fledglings, insects
• Seasonality: Found year-round in Europe
• Nest: Uses old nests of other birds, or niches in buildings or cliffs

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Sky's Hunter
2. Appearance and Sexual Dimorphism
3. Habitat and Distribution
4. Diet: Mice as the Main Course
5. Reproduction: Nests in Nooks and Old Nests
6. Hunting Behavior: The Famous Hovering Flight
7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Kestrel

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1. Introduction: The Sky's Hunter

The kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is one of Europe’s most recognizable birds of prey, celebrated for its unique hovering flight. This elegant hunting technique allows it to remain perfectly still in midair while scanning the ground for prey.

Widely distributed across Europe, the kestrel thrives in diverse habitats ranging from open farmlands and moors to mountain ranges and even urban settings. Its adaptability and impressive hunting skills make it a fascinating species to observe.

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2. Appearance and Sexual Dimorphism

At 31–37 cm in length, the kestrel is a medium-sized bird of prey with a slim, elegant appearance. Males and females are easy to tell apart due to their distinct plumage.

Typical Features

• Males:
  The male kestrel is notable for its bluish-gray head and tail, with a reddish-brown back and black spots. A broad black band at the end of the tail is clearly visible during flight.
• Females:
  The female has a more uniform brown plumage with a streaked head and a banded tail. Her less contrasting colors provide excellent camouflage.
• Juveniles:
  Young kestrels are paler than adults, with yellowish tones in their plumage.

The clear difference between males and females makes it easy to distinguish them, even for beginners in birdwatching.

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3. Habitat and Distribution

Kestrels are highly adaptable and can be found across a wide range of environments. Their preference for open landscapes allows them to spot and catch prey effectively.

Typical Habitats

• Farmland: Fields, meadows, and pastures with low vegetation are ideal for hunting.
• Moorlands and Heathlands: Regions with sparse trees provide excellent vantage points.
• Mountains: Found at elevations above 2,000 meters.
• Urban Areas: In cities, kestrels use high buildings such as church towers and industrial structures as nesting sites.

Kestrels are often seen hunting along roadsides, where they can spot small rodents in the grass below. Their versatility has earned them a reputation as "all-rounders" among birds of prey.

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4. Diet: Mice as the Main Course

The kestrel is a specialized hunter, focusing primarily on small mammals but adapting its diet to the availability of prey.

Primary Diet

• Mice: Field mice and voles make up the majority of its diet.
• Lizards and Shrews: Especially in warmer regions or when rodents are scarce.
• Insects: Beetles and grasshoppers are common prey in summer.
• Fledglings: Occasionally preys on young birds, particularly in urban areas.

The kestrel’s success as a predator is closely tied to the abundance of small mammals, making it a valuable indicator of rodent populations in an area.

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5. Reproduction: Nests in Nooks and Old Nests

Kestrels are cavity nesters but do not build their own nests. Instead, they rely on pre-existing structures for breeding.

Reproductive Behavior

• Nest Sites:
  Kestrels use old nests of other birds, natural cavities in cliffs, or niches in urban buildings. They readily adopt man-made nest boxes, especially in urban areas.
• Clutch:
  A typical clutch consists of 4–6 eggs. The female incubates the eggs while the male provides food.
• Raising Chicks:
  After hatching, both parents work to feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 30 days.

This ability to adapt to various nesting sites is one of the kestrel’s key survival traits.

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6. Hunting Behavior: The Famous Hovering Flight

The kestrel’s signature hunting technique, the hovering flight, is a remarkable display of control and precision.

How Does the Hovering Flight Work?

The kestrel flaps its wings rapidly and spreads its long tail to stabilize itself, allowing it to "stand still" in the air. Meanwhile, its head remains perfectly steady, focused on scanning the ground for movement.

Once prey is spotted, the kestrel drops into a swift stoop, using its sharp talons to seize the target. This efficient hunting strategy has made the kestrel one of the most successful birds of prey in Europe.

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7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Kestrel

1. How big is the kestrel?
The kestrel measures 31–37 cm in length and has a wingspan of 70–80 cm.

2. Where does the kestrel live?
It inhabits farmland, heathlands, moorlands, mountains, and urban areas, thriving wherever there are open spaces and suitable nesting sites.

3. What does the kestrel eat?
Its primary diet consists of field mice and voles, but it also eats lizards, fledglings, and insects.

4. What is hovering flight?
Hovering flight is a hunting technique in which the kestrel remains stationary in the air by flapping its wings and spreading its tail, allowing it to focus on potential prey below.

5. Does the kestrel use nest boxes?
Yes, kestrels readily use nest boxes, particularly in urban settings where natural nesting sites may be scarce.