Common Kestrel
Photo: Andreas Trepte · CC BY-SA 2.5
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)

Classification

Family: Falconidae. Order: Falconiformes.

What Do Common Kestrels Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals.

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.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.