Bird

Common Kestrel Facts

Falco tinnunculus

BirdCarnivore

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel or Old World kestrel, is a species of predatory bird belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. In the United Kingdom, where no other kestrel species commonly occurs, it is generally just called the "kestrel".

Diet: It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals.
Lifespan: Up to 23.8 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Common Kestrel Facts at a Glance

It belongs to the family Falconidae in the order Falconiformes. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

What Do Common Kestrels Eat?

Common Kestrels have a carnivore diet that includes It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals.. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

Common Kestrel Conservation Status

Common Kestrel is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: Up to 23.8 years (maximum recorded longevity)
Weight: 183.21 g

Fun facts

In the cool-temperate parts of its range, the common kestrel migrates south in winter; otherwise it is sedentary, though juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature.
It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings.
It is a diurnal animal of the lowlands and prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, shrubland and marshland.