European Kestrel

Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus

The Kestrel is one of only a few birds that is able to hover. It also has incredible vision that enables it to see ultraviolet light; this means that it is able to detect animals’ urine trails from far away.  So, when hovering in the sky, the kestrel is not actually searching for prey but looking for the urine tracks left by its prey. Once it has detected a urine trail, the kestrel uses it to find the prey, swoops down and seizes the animal with its strong talons and beak.

Kestrels are diurnal hunters (which means that they hunt in the day).

Kestrels reach sexual maturity at about 1 year of age. After an elaborate courtship involving synchronized flying and food gifts, a pair of kestrels will mate and usually pair bond for life.

The female will lay 4-5 eggs in a clutch and these eggs will hatch after 26-30 days of incubation.

Kestrels can live up to 15 years of age. However, the majority of wild kestrels will not survive past 2 years of age due to road traffic accidents, predation and lack of food.

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