Bird Guide

Common Kestrel vs Peregrine Falcon

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Medium183 gShrubland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Common Kestrel
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Begging call, flight call · Jullouville, Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Large760 gGrassland

The 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). The male and female have similar markings and plumage but, as with many birds of prey, the peregrine falcon displays marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30% larger than the male. Males weigh 330 to 1,000 g (12–35 oz) and the noticeably larger females weigh 700 to 1,500 g (25–53 oz).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Peregrine Falcon
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Tombelaine, Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: Shiv's fotografia · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Common Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon.