A familiar sight with its pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge. Numbers of kestrels declined in the 1970s, probably as a result of changes in farming and so it is included on the Amber List. They have adapted readily to man-made environments and can survive right in the centre of cities.
Key ID Features
Adult males have pale reddish, black spotted back with bluish-grey head and tail, which is black tipped.
Browner female is similar in size with barred back and wings.
The only UK raptor that can truly hover, it does so with fanned tail.
Overview
Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus
Family: Hawks, vultures and eagles (Accipitridae)
Where to see them:
Kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, from moor and heath, to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, vast treeless wetlands and mountains. They are a familiar sight, hovering beside a motorway, or other main road. They can often be seen perched on a high tree branch, or on a telephone post or wire, on the look out for prey.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Small mammals and birds
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Location: Stanpit, Christchurch
Photographer: Tim Tapley
