Falcons
Eurasian Kestrel
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Falco tinnunculus
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Voice
Call
Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart
Alarm
Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart
Call
Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart
How to recognize it
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Small falcon with long tail and narrow wings
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Often hovers 10–20 m up, then drops steeply on prey
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Male: grey head and grey tail; female browner overall
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Black moustache stripe, tail tip dark with a narrow white edge
About the species
The Eurasian Kestrel is a compact, energetic raptor that often gives itself away by hovering in one spot. Its most memorable habit is the quick, steady wingbeat before it suddenly drops onto prey.
It hunts by hovering over open ground or by watching from a perch, then diving when it spots movement. The call is sharp and insistent, and it is heard most often near the nest or when it is disturbed.
It does well in open landscapes, farmland, meadows, and city edges. It mostly takes mouse-sized mammals, but also large insects, lizards, and in towns small songbirds and house sparrows; some populations stay all year, while others move south for winter.
Where to find
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On poles, roofs, and towers at the edge of open blocks — especially when Eurasian Kestrel hovers over a vacant lot or lawn, scanning for mice.
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Along canal banks, ponds, and riverside paths with short grass — look for the hovering hunt over the waterline followed by a sharp drop.
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On freshly turned ground, overgrown vacant lots, and large courtyard lawns — perched low, then pouncing on voles and big insects.
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In spring near tall buildings and bridges — the male’s display flight makes quick rises and drops, with loud calling in between.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Falco tinnunculus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Common kestrel Encyclopedia article