Home › Aves › Falconidae › Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Falco
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Farmland, grassland, roadsides
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Falconiformes
FAMILY
Falconidae
GENUS
Falco
📋 Description
SIZE
32-39 cm body length, wingspan 65-82 cm, 136-314 g
COLORATION
Rusty-red back, spotted underparts
ADAPTATIONS
Hovers motionless while hunting
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Farmland, grassland, roadsides
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa
REPRODUCTION
3-7 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Small mammals, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, pesticides
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Common Kestrel is a small falcon famous for hovering motionless while hunting. It has a distinctive rusty-red back and spotted underparts.
2
It is one of the most widespread raptors in Europe and often seen along roads.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
New Forest UK
Peak District UK
Salisbury Plain
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Look for small falcons hovering over fields and roadsides.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Year-round
