Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
ShrublandCavity nestMedium · 183 g
What the Common Kestrel sounds like
ID tip
The common kestrel measures 32–39 cm (12+1⁄2–15+1⁄2 in) from head to tail, with a wingspan of 65–82 cm (25+1⁄2–32+1⁄2 in). The female is noticeably larger, with the adult male weighing 136–252 g (4+3⁄4–8+7⁄8 oz), around 155 g (5+1⁄2 oz) on average; the adult female weighs 154–314 g (5+3⁄8–11+1⁄8 oz), around 184 g (6+1⁄2 oz) on average. They are thus small compared with other birds of prey, but larger than most songbirds. Like the other Falco species, they have long wings as well as a distinctive long tail.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Common Kestrel
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is June, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Common Kestrel
The map shades 140 countries with regular records, and 6 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, South Africa, Martinique, Malawi, Maldives.
About the Common Kestrel
The common kestrel, 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".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusThe peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and a wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in).
American KestrelFalco sparveriusUnder traditional terminology, the American kestrel is the smallest raptor in the Americas, though the South American spot-winged falconet is almost as small.
MerlinFalco columbariusThe merlin is 24–33 cm (9.4–13.0 in) long with a 50–73 cm (20–29 in) wingspan.
Side by side: American Kestrel vs Common Kestrel · Common Kestrel vs Peregrine Falcon · Common Kestrel vs Merlin
Watch the Common Kestrel on live cams
RETURNS MARCHBrowse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Learn the Common Kestrel in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.