Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a common falcons and caracara found in 146 countries, weighing about 183 g. 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.
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.
How to identify it
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.
What the Common Kestrel sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, South Africa, Martinique, Malawi, Maldives.
When to see it
The Common Kestrel can be seen all year round, with peak activity in June. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Common Kestrel on live cams
- Common Kestrel Nest, SkrīveriSkrīveri, Latvia · Streaming now
- Common Kestrel Cam, Tel AvivTel Aviv, Israel · Streaming now
- Robert E Fuller: Fotherdale CamsThixendale, Yorkshire, England, UK · Streaming now
- Beleef de Lente (Experience Spring)Netherlands · Returns March
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Common Kestrel?
- 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). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Common Kestrel?
- The Common Kestrel is a medium sized bird weighing about 183 g.
- Where can you see a Common Kestrel?
- The Common Kestrel occurs in 146 countries, including Sweden, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Finland.
- What does a Common Kestrel sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Common Kestrel on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Common Kestrel?
- The Common Kestrel is most easily confused with the Peregrine Falcon, the American Kestrel and the Merlin.
Learn the Common Kestrel for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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