No. 03
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
Introduction
Kestrels are among Britain’s most familiar birds of prey, instantly recognisable when hovering above open countryside while searching for prey. Their remarkable ability to remain almost stationary in the air makes them fascinating to watch and photograph. Often found around farmland, grassland and roadside verges, they remain one of our most distinctive and accessible falcons.
Identification
A small, elegant falcon with pointed wings and a long tail. Males have a blue-grey head and tail with warm chestnut upperparts, while females are predominantly brown and more heavily barred. Often recognised by its distinctive hovering flight.
Behaviour
Kestrels are renowned for their ability to hover almost motionless while searching the ground below for prey. Once a target is located, they may descend in stages before dropping rapidly to capture it. They also hunt from prominent perches such as fence posts, trees and telegraph poles.
Habitat
Kestrels favour open habitats where prey is easy to locate, including farmland, grassland, heathland, moorland and coastal areas. They are also found around woodland edges, road verges and increasingly in urban environments, provided suitable hunting areas and nesting sites are available.
Diet
Small mammals form an important part of the Kestrel’s diet, particularly voles and mice. They also take small birds, insects and other invertebrates. Their excellent eyesight allows them to locate prey from a hovering position or an elevated perch.
Where to See
Kestrels are widespread across Britain and can be encountered throughout the year. Look for them over open farmland, grassland, coastal areas and roadside verges. Their characteristic hovering flight often provides the easiest way to identify them at a distance.
Photography Notes
Hovering Kestrels provide excellent opportunities for flight photography. Watch the bird’s behaviour carefully, as repeated hovering can indicate an imminent dive. A fast shutter speed helps retain feather detail, while leaving sufficient space around the bird allows its position within the landscape to remain part of the photograph.
Conservation Status
The Kestrel is currently Amber-listed in the UK due to historical population declines. Although still widespread and familiar, numbers have fallen considerably from earlier levels, making suitable feeding habitat and nesting opportunities increasingly important.
