The Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey in the Falconidae family of falcons. It is also called the Common Kestrel or the European Kestrel. It is a raptor.
The Eurasian Kestrel is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on its upperside. On the underside, it is buff with narrow blackish streaks. It has long wings and a long tail. The male has a blue-grey tail and the female has a brown tail with black bars. Its cere, feet, and eyerings are bright yellow. It has a dark beak and dark eyes.
It grows to 32-39 centimetres (13-15 inches) tall, with a wingspan of 65-82 centimetres. The female is larger than the male.
It is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Eurasian Kestrel hovers above the ground looking for food. It has excellent eyesight. It dives upon its prey. It eats mice, rats, voles, and shrews.
It nests in a cavity, such as holes in cliffs, trees, or buildings. The female lays 3-7 eggs in a nest. They hatch after about 30 days. Only the female sits on the eggs, but both parents feed the chicks.
Its lifespan is about 16 years.
Location of photographs: Tashkent Zoo, Uzbekistan
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM