ExploreBirds

Eurasian Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

The Eurasian Kestrel is a small bird of prey that loves to hover in the air while looking for food. With its beautiful feathers and sharp eyes, it is a skilled hunter that can spot tiny animals from high above.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Eurasian Kestrel has a slender body with long, pointed wings and a fanned tail. Males feature a distinct grey head and tail, contrasting with a rufous-brown back and spotted breast. Females are generally browner overall, with a barred tail.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderFalconiformesFamilyFalconidaeGenusFalco
Eurasian Kestrel
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Eurasian Kestrel

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Did you know a kestrel can turn its head almost 270 degrees to look around?

Kestrels often use abandoned nests of crows or magpies instead of building their own!

Sometimes, multiple kestrel families nest close together, forming a mini bird community!

Their call sounds like 'kee-kee-kee', which helps you identify them in the wild.

Special abilities

Ability

Sky Anchor

Eurasian Kestrel can hover perfectly still against the wind because of its specialized wings, helping it pinpoint prey on the ground.

Ability

UV Super Sight

Eurasian Kestrels have special eyes that can see ultraviolet light, helping them track invisible rodent scent trails.

Ability

Precision Plunge

Eurasian Kestrel can dive accurately onto tiny prey from high above because of its sharp talons and incredible focus.

Measurements & details

Length
32-39 cm
Wingspan
65-82 cm
Weight
0.15-0.31 kg
Lifespan
2-4 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
27-29 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Kestrels mostly eat small creatures like mice and insects, catching them with a quick dive!

Age differences: Young kestrels eat more insects; adults increasingly hunt larger vertebrates.

Primary Foods

  • Voles
  • Mice
  • Large Insects
  • Small Birds
  • Lizards

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eurasian Kestrel?

32-39 cm

What is Eurasian Kestrel's wingspan?

65-82 cm

How much does Eurasian Kestrel weigh?

0.15-0.31 kg

How long does Eurasian Kestrel live?

2-4 years

How fast can Eurasian Kestrel move?

60 km/h

What does Eurasian Kestrel eat?

Kestrels mostly eat small creatures like mice and insects, catching them with a quick dive!

Where is Eurasian Kestrel usually found?

Grasslands

How does Eurasian Kestrel hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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