The Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus



The most noteworthy feature of this predator is that the males have light grey heads whereas the females are uniformly brick-red in colour.
The male’s wings are reddish in colour and are distinguished by dark spots which are sometimes asterisk-shaped.
Its lower back and distinctive tail are light grey with a black tip and narrow white rim.
The underside is cream-coloured with brownish stripes or spots.
The underparts are however completely white.
It has oily feathers and a narrow ring around the eye which is yellow in adults but from light blue to greeny yellow in juveniles.
Its legs are light yellow and its talons black.
The kestrel has a distinctive flight pattern.
Unlike other birds of prey, the kestrel frequently beats its wings, but the most characteristic feature is its so-called “Holy Spirit” flight in which it keeps totally still in the air and with small beats of its wings and its tail spread out like a fan it exploits the wind to keep steady and observe the ground on the look out for prey.