Kestrels can be found in most open habitats with adequate cavities for nesting and perches for hunting. The species readily adapts to human-modified environments, and is frequently seen in pastures and parklands perched along the road.

Where can I find Kestrels?

Kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, from moor and heath, to farmland and urban areas. The only places they do not favour are dense forests, vast treeless wetlands and mountains. They are a familiar sight, hovering beside a motorway or other main road.

Are there Kestrels in Ontario?

Interesting facts: American Kestrels are one of the only Ontario raptor species that can hover in midair; they do this to search for prey. American Kestrels can also see ultra-violet light; this helps them spot the urine trails of small rodents while hunting.

Where are Kestrels found in Ireland?

Found in wide variety of open habitats including coasts, moor land, farmland, wetlands, roadside verges and town parks.

How common are Kestrels in the UK?

How many kestrels are there in the UK? Despite a significant decline in the 1970s and 1980s, there are still 31,000 pairs of kestrels in the UK, making it one of our most common birds of prey. However they are less commonly found in Northern Ireland and north-west Scotland.

BBC Spring Watch Kestrels

44 related questions found

Do kestrels eat carrion?

Even more surprising for me when I found that they will also eat earthworms, ground and dor beetles, spiders, slugs, lizards, slow worms, snakes, a road killed toad used as carrion and a dead lamb skinned by a shepherd used as carrion.

Are kestrels protected UK?

Legal protection

The Kestrel is protected under Section 1 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or intentionally to destroy its nest, eggs or young.

Is a kestrel the same as a Sparrowhawk?

Sparrowhawk (sometimes sparrow hawk) may refer to several species of small hawk in the genus Accipiter. ... The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), a North American falcon species, is also commonly referred to as a "sparrow hawk".

How do you identify a kestrel?

Kestrels are typically seen hovering, their pointed wings held out. Males have a grey head and tail with a prominent black band, a gingery-brown back and a creamy underside which is speckled with black. Females are similar, but with a more uniform brown back and dark bands on the tail.

How can you tell a Sparrowhawk from a kestrel?

Generally speaking, the best way to tell the difference between Kestrels and Sparrowhawks is their plumage. Sparrowhawks have a plumage that overall appear more greyish, whereas Kestrels have a warmer looking plumage consisting mainly of buff and browns.

Are there kestrels in Canada?

The American Kestrel is a small falcon that nests in tree cavities adjacent to open habitats across Canada. The species is well monitored by the Breeding Bird Survey which indicates there has been a widespread decrease in its population since about 1970.

How do you attract kestrels?

To attract and keep American kestrels in your area, your land management plan should support open, vegetated fields for kestrels to use as hunting grounds. Kestrels also require nesting cavities and perching locations. Adding nest boxes often makes previously unsuitable habitat suitable.

Is a kestrel a hawk or falcon?

Our most familiar and common falcon, the Kestrel is famous as the 'motorway hawk', often seen hovering over roadside verges. ... It is the only commonly occurring falcon in Britain that habitually hovers, although Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon in Europe also use this hunting technique.

Is a kestrel rare?

Kestrels are common and widespread throughout the UK. The kestrel population has fallen significantly since 1970. They have a signature hovering technique when hunting.

What do I do if I find a baby kestrel?

Keep pets away, leave the fledgling alone and monitor, as the parents are usually nearby and feeding the bird. Even if you have already confined a healthy fledgling you may still be able to return them to their parents. If they're in immediate danger, place it in a sheltered spot a short distance away.

What is the kestrel habitat?

Inhabits any kind of open or semi-open situation, from forest clearings to farmland to desert, wherever it can find adequate prey and some raised perches. In breeding season, may be limited to habitats that also provide appropriate nesting sites.

How can you tell a juvenile kestrel?

Juvenile males are whitish underneath with dark streaks, but molt into adult plumage during the first fall. Females are orange above with black barring. Tail is orange with multiple black bands. Females are pale buff below with dark rufous streaks.

How can you tell an American kestrel?

American Kestrels are pale when seen from below and warm, rusty brown spotted with black above, with a black band near the tip of the tail. Males have slate-blue wings; females' wings are reddish brown.

How do you identify a juvenile kestrel?

The hooked grey bill has a black tip and yellow cere, the eyes are dark brown with a yellow eye-ring, and their legs and feet are bright yellow. Juvenile kestrels are heavily streaked and don't get full adult plumage until they are 2 or 3 years old.

What does a kestrel eat?

Voles are by far the most important food for kestrels, although they regularly take other small mammals such as woodmice and shrews, small birds, insects and earthworms.

Where do kestrels roost?

Kestrels are adaptable in their use of nest sites, but do not build their own nests. Old or disused nests of crows and other stick nesters are often used, as are ledges on cliffs and buildings. They are also regular hole-nesters and readily accept nestboxes.

Do kestrels come into gardens?

Kestrels mainly eat rodents but they will occasionally take a garden bird, especially a young one, if the opportunity arises.

Is a Sparrowhawk bigger than a kestrel?

In many respects the Sparrowhawk is similar to a Kestrel but somewhat smaller; however, Kestrels hover and Sparrowhawks do not, so if you see them hunting for food you will know immediately which is which. The call of a Sparrowhawk is a distinctive 'ke-ke-ke-ke'.

Can you shoot a kestrel?

Birds of prey, including Common Kestrels, are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To kill or injure one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail.

Do kestrels migrate UK?

In more northerly and westerly areas of Britain, kestrels often migrate south at the end of the breeding season, but return the following spring to form their territories. In winter many more kestrels visit from the Netherlands and Scandinavia.