Kestrel
Kestrels are expert hoverers and are often seen in the sky above roads or motorways, or perched on a high spot, such as a branch, telephone pole or wire.
Kestrels have extremely good eyesight which enables them to spot small animals from a massive distance, before swooping down to catch them. They will sometimes store up their catch to eat later when all their hunting is done.
The kestrel’s recent decline in numbers is due largely to the intensification of farming, which has in turn caused the habitat loss of many small mammals – the kestrel’s prey.
Facts
Appearance: The kestrel is a fairly small, mid-brown bird of prey. It has pointed wings and a long tail, with a black stripe at the end. Its breast is cream coloured with black speckles.
Size: 25-35cm, with a wingspan of 60-65cm
Weight: 140-200g
Lifespan: Around 10 years in the wild
Diet: Feeds on small mammals like voles and mice, birds, beetles and worms
Family: Falconidae
Did you know?
- Kestrels can see ultra-violet light
- They can see beetles 50 metres from their perch
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