Common Kestrel

Photo copyright: monacoeye.com • France • 2009 • Do not copy

Bird name: Common Kestrel
Latin: Falco tinnunculus
Other: Faucon Crécerelle
Family: Falconidae • Birds of Prey

The male Kestrel has a grey cap and tail (below), while the female is brown (above). Their region is Europe and around the Mediterranean, and some parts of Asia.

Kestrels, with the Common Buzzard, are the most abundant and visible birds of prey in Europe - they are often seen hovering in mid air before swooping down to catch a lizard or small mammal.

They are small birds, a little larger than pigeons.