The common kestrel is a small falcon of open country across Europe, Asia and Africa, famous for hovering in one spot while it scans the ground. In Britain, where no other kestrel is common, it’s simply “the kestrel”.
Quick answers
What is it?Bird
Carnivore?Yes
Dangerous?No
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Daytime
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?No
Do people eat it?No
At a glance
Found inEurope, Asia, Africa
HabitatGrassland, Farmland, Towns
ColoursBrown, Grey, Black
SizeSmall
Length30–36 cm
Weight150–190 g
Legs2
Covered inFeathers
Lives alone
Lives for4–15 years
Can fly
Lays eggs
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Europe, Asia and Africa; occasionally reaches the east coast of North America.
Did you know
Hovers on the spot into the wind, which earned it the old name windhover.
Its old country name “windhover” comes from its habit of hovering into the wind.
Often confused with
- Falcon
Kestrels are small falcons. The name is given to the species that hover while hunting.
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