The Common Kestrel is a familiar,
although sadly declining sight in the British countryside.
They can often been seen hovering over the side of the road,
looking out for their favourite prey; small mammals such as
field voles. Kestrels prefer open habitats such as grassland,
farmland and marshland, but they can also be seen in suburban
areas too.
Kestrel’s are one of the UK’s smallest
birds of prey and are a little smaller than a feral pigeon.
They nest in holes in tress, old buildings and occasionally
abandoned crows nests. They typically lay between four and
five eggs and both parents will help to feed the young chicks
once hatched.
The males (like the one above) are
distinct from the females. They have a grey head and tail with
a prominent black eye mask, a gingery-brown back and a creamy
underside which is speckled with black. Females have a more
uniform brown back and dark bands on the tail. This image was
taken on a private farm site in the West Midlands and although
very confiding, the bird is completely wild and free. |
