Kestrel: flight picture, breeding season, females & Co.

How do peregrine falcons and kestrels differ? How do you recognize a young kestrel? And what does the bird of prey eat? We answer these and many other questions in our profile.

The Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is by far the most common falcon in Central Europe and after the buzzard also the second most common native bird of prey. As a cultural successor, the magnificent falcon is widespread in both settlements and cities, where it breeds in old, high buildings. The best way to observe the kestrel is when it is hunting, when it presents its classic “shaking flight” – a Form of flight in which the bird quickly flaps its wings while “standing” in the air in fields and meadows in search of prey seeks. More exciting facts about the “Bird of the Year 2007” can be found here in our large kestrel profile.

Kestrel: wanted poster

size	31-37 cm
Weight	About 200g
breeding season	April May
lifespan	Up to 18 years
habitat	Open and semi-open landscapes, settlements and cities
feed preference	Voles, field mice and other small animals
threats	decline in food and nesting sites

How to recognize the kestrel

The kestrel is about the size of a pigeon, but is a lot slimmer and more elegant than, for example, a wood pigeon. The birds' backs and wing bases are a rich reddish-brown that turns dark black-grey towards the wingtips. The chest and belly are lighter, but as with the back and wings, they are streaked with dark, bold spots. The face of the raptor is characterized by a dark stripe of beard and yellow rings under the eyes.

In flight, the kestrel can also be recognized by its shaking flight pattern and its narrow wings, which distinguish it from sparrowhawks, for example. Kestrels have a wingspan of about 75 cm and can reach a speed of about 60 km/h.

How do female and male kestrels differ?

As is often the case in the class of birds, female kestrels are slightly less colorful than their mates. They have an all around rather uniform, brown and heavily patterned plumage. The male animals, on the other hand, are characterized by a gray head and a matching lower back - also called rump. In addition, female kestrels are slightly larger and heavier than their partners on average.

How do kestrel and peregrine falcon differ?

At first glance, kestrels are often confused with the rarer peregrine falcons. So the next time you spot a hawk, look out for the following characteristics: Peregrine falcons have a much darker upper surface than kestrels. Her head is also dark and the beard is much wider and more intensely colored. And in adult specimens, the abdomen is not spotted, but rather strongly cross-banded.

How does the kestrel call sound?

The kestrel's call consists of a series of rapid, sharp sounds: "Ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke!" Often this can be typical birdsong draw attention to individuals flying overhead and it is therefore always worth taking a look at the sky throw.

The kestrel call sounds like this:

What do kestrel eggs look like?

The eggs of the kestrel are about 4.5 cm in size, have a yellowish-brown base color and are dotted with fine, dark speckles. Female kestrel lay between three and six eggs per clutch.

How do you recognize a young kestrel?

Young kestrels look quite similar to their mothers. Male young birds do not yet have the typical gray color elements of their fathers and - like their female siblings - have an inconspicuous brown pattern. The beard stripe is already indicated, but not as pronounced as in the adult animals. In addition, the breast and abdomen of the juveniles are quite diffusely patterned and do not yet show the strong, clear spotted pattern of the adult kestrels.

Which habitat does the kestrel prefer?

The kestrel occurs in a wide variety of habitats. He prefers open and semi-open landscapes with meadows and pastures where he searches for prey. Agricultural landscapes and mountain regions with open spaces also fall into this category. He even feels at home in settlements and small and large cities, as long as there are suitable hunting grounds in the surrounding area.

Where does the kestrel have its nest?

Kestrels breed in a variety of structures. In nature, they use rock crevices and tree cavities or abandoned nests of crows. However, they do not build their own nest. In cities and settlements, they also use tall buildings, such as church towers. The male chooses the breeding site and after finding a suitable spot, he courts a female and tries to lure her to the breeding site with fresh prey.

Where does the kestrel spend the winter?

Kestrels are partial migrants and therefore only leave their breeding areas in winter under special circumstances. Most of the animals native to us remain in their territories in winter and look for food even under thick layers of snow. However, if the food supply is scarce, parts of the populations move south. Kestrels from more northern parts of Europe migrate more frequently as winters are much harsher in their breeding areas. These animals, which are native to the north, can also be found with us as winter guests.

What do kestrels eat?

Kestrels are outspoken hunters, preferring to feed on voles and real mice of all kinds. But other small animals such as lizards, songbirds, worms or insects are also occasionally preyed upon. The animals are usually spotted from the air - with the help of the classic shaking flight - or from a hide or a high lookout point and then captured in a nosedive.

Support the kestrels: Here's how

Even if kestrels are not classic garden birds, they spend a lot of time in settlements and cities and can also be observed in home gardens from time to time. You can find out how you can support the elegant hunters here.

Which nest boxes are suitable for kestrels?

In fact, offered nesting boxes are readily accepted by kestrels. However, these are slightly larger and more demanding than the classic tit boxes. A kestrel nesting box should have a floor area of ​​around 30 x 50 cm and a large entrance opening of around 25 x 30 cm on the front. A perch in front of the entry opening also makes it easier for the parent birds to land.

Notice: The nest box should be placed as high as possible and is best mounted on a smooth, vertical wall. Horizontal surfaces near or below the nest box are not liked by kestrels, as these represent a potential point of attack for predators.

How can you additionally support the kestrel?

While you can still support a kestrel in your own home with a suitable nest box, this will hardly meet the animals' hunting needs in the garden. The most important hunting grounds for kestrels remain cultural landscapes and thus agricultural areas. And like many other animal species, the kestrel is struggling there with increasing intensification and the loss of structure and diversity. Anyone who campaigns for a natural design of our landscape is also campaigning for the kestrel.

Other wild bird species that you can support with a nesting box in your own garden are, for example black redstart, the nuthatch or the Jackdaw. And in our special article on the topic “Build your own nest box” you will also receive many useful tips on material, design, cleaning and the right location.