Kestrel Portrait

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.