Kestrel - European

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Common Kestrel, Windhover, Eurasian Kestrel Scientific Name: Falco tinnunculus

Basic Info

By maturity, most European Kestrels are between 13 and 15 inches (33 to 39 centimeters) in length. Females are often slightly larger than males. The wingspan usually reaches about 26 inches (70 centimeters). Both sexes have brownish plumage and relatively long, pointed wings. Often, males' feathers are more rufous in color than those of females, and some birds show deep russet or chestnut shades. The heads and tails of males are bluish gray. A black tip accents the long tail. Black stripes also decorate the beautiful faces of both sexes of European Kestrels.

Health

European Kestrels are not often used as beginning falconers' birds anymore. This is because larger hawks are available for use that can catch more substantial prey than kestrels. Larger hawks may also be more easily maintained; because European Kestrels are so small, their metabolisms are very quick. It is essential that they be weighed regularly to be sure they are maintaining healthy weights. European Kestrels may be fed pounded chicken parts in addition to white mice. When hunted, they are often used to capture voles, though they may also return with insects for their handlers. Breeding European Kestrels do not build their own nests; rather, they will take over existing nests. They often readily accept man made nesting boxes and can tolerate disturbance well. These birds have been noted raising hatchlings in such odd places as cowsheds, ledges of office buildings, and railroad structures. Between four and five eggs are usually deposited once the European Kestrel has returned to its summer breeding ground, often near the end of April.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The European Kestrel is a beautiful little raptor. Commonly used in falconry and well -known throughout their migratory range, these lovely birds are a joy to watch in flight or on the hunt. The migratory pattern of the European Kestrel is fairly simple. Birds summering in northerly regions simply move to southern regions. Very different from low hunting flight behaviors, migratory flight occurs high in the sky. European Kestrels have amazed observers for centuries by their ability to hover 20 to 30 feet in the air at a stationary locus, even in the face of wind! This hovering enables the kestrel to look for food; if it finds none, it will circle or fly forward before hovering again. European Kestrels may also hunt from a perch, like a tree or telephone pole. Once prey is sighted, the kestrel folds it wings and dives straight toward the ground, pulling itself out of the free fall just before it hits the ground and lunging forward to obtain its prey item. The prey is a small mammal or bird; commonly voles are taken. European Kestrels are also known for catching insects. They do not seem to prefer a particular type of habitat and have been noted in many regions including coastal marshes, open wooded areas, agricultural regions, and large cities.

Origin

Europe and Asia

History

European Kestrels are native to almost all regions of Europe and Asia. Perhaps best known for their traditional use in falconry, the European Kestrel has been a beginner's bird for many years. Recently, larger birds have replaced this little falcon's duty with learners, but many still love the European Kestrel for sentimental reasons. The European Kestrel is a familiar sight for many that live within its range. It has been noted in suburban areas as well as fields and wilds and has been immortalized in Gerard Manley Hopkins' well-known poem, "The Windhover". In agricultural areas, some farmers will set up nesting boxes for these little raptors in order to have an effective form of pest control.

Common Foods

N/A