Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides
The Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) is a common falcons and caracara found in 5 countries, weighing about 170 g. The nankeen kestrel, also known as the Australian kestrel, is a raptor native to Australia and New Guinea.
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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in New Zealand.
When to see it
The Nankeen Kestrel can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Nankeen Kestrel?
- 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). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Nankeen Kestrel?
- The Nankeen Kestrel is a medium sized bird weighing about 170 g.
- Where can you see a Nankeen Kestrel?
- The Nankeen Kestrel occurs in 5 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and New Caledonia.
- What birds look similar to a Nankeen Kestrel?
- The Nankeen Kestrel is most easily confused with the Prairie Falcon, the Brown Falcon and the Bat Falcon.
- Is the Nankeen Kestrel endangered?
- The Nankeen Kestrel is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Nankeen Kestrel for real
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