The Common or European Kestrel is the
most common bird of prey in Britain.
As a member of the falcon family the
kestrel, in its various forms, is probably
the most successful. With the exception
of desert and tundra, there is a kestrel
of some kind present worldwide. It's
favoured habitat is woodland, grassy steppe,
heathland and cultivated land anywhere
from sea level to altitudes as high as 5,000m.
The classic view of a Kestrel in the UK is of
it hovering alongside roads and motorways.
It can see in the ultra-violet spectrum and is
able to follow urine trails left by small
rodents that make up most of it's diet.
The male and female are easily distinguished
by their plumage. The female is predominatly
brown with darker blotches and bars. The
adult male is the same on the body but has
a grey head and tail. Juveniles are similar to
the female, with the grey on the male coming
in 2nd & 3rd years. Kestrels frequently mate
for long periods, if not for life, and nest
wherever thay can find a suitable secluded
box or hollow. They lay 3-5 eggs, which are
incubated for 26-34 days.
