Kes

Falco tinnunculus

Kestrels have pointed wings and a long tail. There are marked differences between the sexes, with males being smaller but more colourful (grey head, red-brown back and grey tail with black tip) than the females whose plumage is a more uniform speckled brown.

Size

34-39cm

Weight

156-252g

Habitat

Kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, from moor and heath, to farmland and urban areas. They are a common sight near motorways and other major roads. They are seen throughout the UK, bar the Orkney and Shetland islands.

Nest

The 'nest' is a very informal affair; simply a lining of sticks or straw added to a hole in a tree, a deserted nest built by another species or a ledge.

Eggs

4-5 brown-white eggs in April-July

Food

Urban and suburban kestrels mainly feed on small birds but will also take mice. Country Kestrels feast on rodents, large insects and earthworms.

Voice

Shrill kee-kee-kee call

BTO Statistics

Kestrels are amber rated partly due to a loss of traditional farmland habitats. They have however, readily adapted to city living.

Breeding

Both parents provide food for their young. The female incubates the eggs for 27-29 days and fledging is 27-32 days after hatching.

Feeding

Kestrels search for prey from high vantage points such as tree perches or wires.