• Eurasian kestrel

    Falco tinnunculus

Facts

The Eurasian Kestrel, often called the "wind-hoverer," is a small and elegant bird of prey that can mesmerize anyone who watches it hover effortlessly over fields in search of food. Its keen eyesight and ability to spot tiny prey from great heights make it a master hunter. With chestnut-brown feathers speckled with black spots and a slate-grey head and tail (for males), it’s a familiar sight in the countryside and even urban areas

Wingspan: 68-78cm

Weight: 180g

Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals like voles, shrews, and mice, as well as insects and occasionally small birds.

Average Lifespan: 4-5 years, though some can live up to 16 years in the wild.

When to See Them:All year round, especially while hovering over grasslands or perched on roadside poles.

UK Population : Est 31,000 breeding pairs

UK Conservation Status: Amber-listed due to population decline and vulnerability to environmental changes.

Behaviour

Eurasian Kestrels are renowned for their ability to hover in mid-air, using their fanned tails and steady wing beats to scan for prey below. They hunt primarily during the day, swooping down with incredible precision once they spot movement. Highly adaptable, kestrels are found not just in wild grasslands and moorlands but also in towns and cities, where they nest in buildings or tall trees.

Kestrels don’t build their nests but instead use old ones from crows or natural cavities. During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays to impress potential mates, bringing food as part of the courtship ritual.

UK Population: There are an estimated 31,000 breeding pairs of Eurasian Kestrels in the UK. However, their numbers have declined over the years due to habitat loss and reduced prey availability.

Their Threats

Habitat Loss: Agricultural intensification and urban expansion have reduced suitable nesting and hunting grounds.

Decline in Prey: Fewer small mammals due to pesticide use and habitat degradation impact kestrel diets.

Climate Change: Altered weather patterns may affect breeding success and prey availability.

Secondary Poisoning: Consumption of poisoned rodents can harm kestrels indirectly.

How You Can Help

  • Support Wildlife-Friendly Farming: Advocate for sustainable agricultural practices that protect grasslands and small mammal populations.
  • Install Nest Boxes: Providing safe nesting sites in areas with limited natural options can boost local populations. DIY: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildl...
  • Avoid Pesticides: Reducing chemical use helps maintain a healthy prey population for kestrels.
  • Spread Awareness: Share the importance of kestrel conservation with others to foster greater protection efforts.

Frequently Asked Kestrel Questions

Approach Gently: Use a towel or gloves to carefully pick up the bird, avoiding its talons and beak. Place it in a ventilated box lined with a soft cloth.

Keep it Calm: Place the box in a quiet, dark area to reduce stress.

Do Not Feed or Treat It: Never feed or give water unless instructed by a wildlife professional, as improper care could worsen its condition.

Contact Experts: Call a wildlife rescue center or organization like the Wildlife Aid Foundation: 01372 360404 or the RSPCA for guidance. Follow their instructions carefully.

Yes, kestrels are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban areas if they have access to nesting sites and sufficient prey, such as insects and small rodents.

Look for a small bird of prey hovering in one spot, often over fields or roadside verges. Males have a grey head and tail, while females and juveniles are mostly brown with darker markings.

Kestrels use their fanned tails and rapid wingbeats to stay stationary in mid-air, even in strong winds, allowing them to focus on spotting prey below.

How you can help

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