Kestrel information and facts:

Latin name: Falco tinnunculus
Type: bird
Diet: carnivore
Average lifespan: Around 10 years in the wild
Size: 25-35cm, with a wingspan of 60-65cm
Weight: 140-200g

Kestrels are bird of prey mainly found in Europe. They hover in the sky when they've spotted their prey, they have extremely good eyesight. They can spot their prey from a massive distance. When they hover in the air they keep their head completely still so they can pinpoint small animals with their extraordinary sight. If they have plenty of prey they will store them to eat at a later time.

Kestrel video.

What does a Kestrel look like?

Both male and female are a bit different, the females are a bit larger than the males and are brownish red. While the males are bluish grey. The Kestrels legs are thin and yellow with sharp talons to grab their prey. They have brown or black eyes.

Where does the Kestrel live?

Kestrels are mainly found in Europe, but they are also found as far north as Alaska and Canada. They are also found in Mexico, Asia, Africa and Chile. The Kestrels are found in a variety of habitats like grasslands and coastlines and live in wide open spaces with a few trees. Kestrels thrive in treeless steppes where they can easily spot their prey.

What does a Kestrel eat?

Kestrels are birds of prey that hover in the air to spot and catch their prey, they are carnivores which means they only eat meat. Kestrels eat a wide range of different animals like earthworms, insects, scorpions, reptiles, birds and small mammals like bats, mice and voles. They have very sharp claws and a sharp beak that they need to eat and catch their prey.

Did you know about these Kestrel facts?

Kestrels can see ultra-violet light, they use this to locate voles, that leave a trace of urine that glows in ultra-violet light.
Kestrels do not build their own nests, but use nests built by other species.
The call is a high-pitched 'kee-kee-kee'
Kestrels can see beetles as far as 50 metres away. While the young birds are practicing their hunting skills, kestrels will often hunt in family units.