European Kestrel

European kestrel

This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America.

What do European kestrels eat?

Kestrel feeding Voles are by far the most important food for kestrels, although they regularly take other small mammals such as woodmice and shrews, small birds, insects and earthworms. In towns they take birds more frequently because of lower availability of small mammals.

What is the biggest kestrel in the world?

The greater kestrel (Falco rupicoloides) or white-eyed kestrel, is a bird of prey belonging to the falcon family Falconidae. It is one of the largest kestrels and is found in open country in southern and eastern Africa.

Are kestrels rare in UK?

Kestrels are common and widespread throughout the UK. The kestrel population has fallen significantly since 1970. They have a signature hovering technique when hunting.

Is a kestrel a hawk or falcon?

An American kestrel is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America and is one of the best known, most frequently observed, and readily identifiable raptors in North America. Kestrels are conspicuous, colorful, open-habitat birds of prey about the size of a Mourning Dove.

Is kestrel a hawk or eagle?

Is a Kestrel a hawk? Though it is also known by many as the sparrow hawk, it is not a hawk but rather a falcon – the smallest and most common falcon in North America. The common name of sparrow hawk arose from a mistaken belief that this bird was related to the Eurasian sparrowhawk – of the Accipiter genus.

Will a kestrel take a pigeon?

Do kestrels eat pigeons? Kestrels have been known to hunt, catch and kill pigeons, yes. They are on the larger side of what these birds can hunt, but they can do it.

Will a kestrel take a chicken?

Kestrels and Red Kites won't take hens as they either hunt for smaller birds or carrion. Hens are much, much bigger than most of these garden visiting birds of prey so are quite safe, although they will make alarm calls and run to hide if any fly overhead as this is a natural instinctive reaction.

Will a kestrel take a rat?

The main prey of kestrels are field voles, mice, shrews, moles, rats, frogs, and lizards.

What is the rarest bird in the UK?

The hawfinch is arguably one of the rarest birds in the UK, which is unfortunate as its distinctively powerful bill is an incredible wonder to see in action. It has a distinctively thick orange head with black bordering the eyes.

Is it good luck to see a kestrel?

In Asia, birds of prey such as kestrels and falcons are seen as symbols of good luck and are prevalent in the practice of feng-shui.

Do kestrels eat starlings?

Kestrels consume crop pests such as grasshoppers, rodents and European starlings.

Do kestrels eat squirrels?

American Kestrels also sometimes eat small snakes, lizards, and frogs. And some people have reported seeing American Kestrels take larger prey, including red squirrels and Northern Flickers.

What is special about a kestrel?

North America's littlest falcon, the American Kestrel packs a predator's fierce intensity into its small body. It's one of the most colorful of all raptors: the male's slate-blue head and wings contrast elegantly with his rusty-red back and tail; the female has the same warm reddish on her wings, back, and tail.

Can you have a pet kestrel?

Wild birds of prey are illegal to keep as pets and need specialized care to be reintroduced into their natural habitat. If you find an injured bird call a wildlife rehabilitator and get advice on what to do next and be careful not to further injure the bird by handling them too much.

Is a kestrel the fastest bird?

This genus contains many other celebrated masters of the sky, such as the Peregrine Falcon, the world's fastest bird. Kestrels might not be quite as fast as some other falcons, but they are well-known for their remarkable ability to hover.

What do you call a group of kestrels?

falcons - cast (kestrels - flight, hover, soar; merlins - brace, leash, illusion) Field Sparrows - crue (see sparrows)

Where do kestrels sleep at night?

Kestrels are adaptable in their use of nest sites, but do not build their own nests. Old or disused nests of crows and other stick nesters are often used, as are ledges on cliffs and buildings.

Would a kestrel eat a blackbird?

In warmer weather they'll even eat lizards! Kestrels that live on farms have learned to wait for tractors to flush out prey. They'll also go for birds including larks, pipits and starlings, or even the larger birds such as blackbirds.

Do owls eat kestrels?

Barn Owls feed on much the same prey as Kestrels but as Owls hunt by night and Kestrels by day competition is avoided.

10 European kestrel Images