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WoodlandCavity nestMedium · 170 g
ID tip
The nankeen kestrel is a small, slim falcon 28 to 35 cm (11 to 14 in) long with a wingspan of 66 to 78 cm (26 to 31 in). The male weighs 121 to 195 g (4.3 to 6.9 oz) while the female weighs 115 to 273 g (4.1 to 9.6 oz). It has pale rufous upper-parts with contrasting black flight-feathers and is finely streaked white below, with a black subterminal band. The cere, eye-ring, and legs are yellow. The male has a pale grey crown and tail with a darker grey tear-mark, while the female and juvenile have a pale rufous crown and finely barred rufous tail.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Nankeen Kestrel
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Nankeen Kestrel
The map shades 4 countries with regular records, and 1 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 New Zealand.
About the Nankeen Kestrel
The nankeen kestrel, also known as the Australian kestrel, is a raptor native to Australia and New Guinea. It is one of the smallest falcons, and unlike many, does not rely on speed to catch its prey. Instead, it simply perches in an exposed position, but it also has a distinctive technique of hovering over crop and grasslands.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Prairie FalconFalco mexicanusVoice: Calls, heard mostly near the nest, are described as repetitive kree kree kree…, kik kik kik…, and the like, similar to the peregrine's call but higher-pitched.
Brown FalconFalco berigoraAdults are usually 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) long.
Bat FalconFalco rufigularisThe bat falcon is 23 to 30 cm (9.1 to 12 in) long.
Side by side: Merlin vs Nankeen Kestrel · Eurasian Hobby vs Nankeen Kestrel · Laughing Falcon vs Nankeen Kestrel · Nankeen Kestrel vs Prairie Falcon · Brown Falcon vs Nankeen Kestrel · Bat Falcon vs Nankeen Kestrel
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