Hawkmaster
27-01-2005, 10:29 PM
Kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus)
AKA: Common kestrel
A familiar sight with its pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge. Kestrels have been recently declining as a result of habitat degradation due to continuing intensive management of farmland and so it is included on the Amber List. They have adapted readily to man-made environments and can survive right in the centre of cities.
Where does it live?
Breeding
It is one of the commonest countryside birds of prey, found from coast to hilltop, nesting almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. Kestrels nest either in holes or on ledges. These may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees where birds use either tree holes or the nests of other birds such as crows. They frequently also use man-made sites such as church spires and other tall buildings and even more unusual locations including pylons, cranes and even a window box!
Wintering
Found in most habitats although some upland birds move into lowland areas to avoid colder weather.
Where to see it
Kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, from moor and heath, to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, vast treeless wetlands and mountains. They are a familiar sight, hovering beside a motorway, or other main road. They can often be seen perched on a high tree branch, or on a telephone post or wire, on the look out for prey.
What does it eat?
Small mammals and birds
What does it sound like?
A shrill 'kee-kee-kee'
When to see it
All year round.
King vulture (Sarcoramphus Papa)
Kite (cf. red kite)
Klingon Birds of prey (?)
Koepcke's screech owl (Otus Koepckeae)
AKA: Common kestrel
A familiar sight with its pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge. Kestrels have been recently declining as a result of habitat degradation due to continuing intensive management of farmland and so it is included on the Amber List. They have adapted readily to man-made environments and can survive right in the centre of cities.
Where does it live?
Breeding
It is one of the commonest countryside birds of prey, found from coast to hilltop, nesting almost everywhere there is a suitable nest site with areas of open, rough ground to feed over. In towns and cities they will feed over parks and gardens. Kestrels nest either in holes or on ledges. These may be in natural places such as on cliffs or in trees where birds use either tree holes or the nests of other birds such as crows. They frequently also use man-made sites such as church spires and other tall buildings and even more unusual locations including pylons, cranes and even a window box!
Wintering
Found in most habitats although some upland birds move into lowland areas to avoid colder weather.
Where to see it
Kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, from moor and heath, to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, vast treeless wetlands and mountains. They are a familiar sight, hovering beside a motorway, or other main road. They can often be seen perched on a high tree branch, or on a telephone post or wire, on the look out for prey.
What does it eat?
Small mammals and birds
What does it sound like?
A shrill 'kee-kee-kee'
When to see it
All year round.
King vulture (Sarcoramphus Papa)
Kite (cf. red kite)
Klingon Birds of prey (?)
Koepcke's screech owl (Otus Koepckeae)