Common kestrel is a bird of prey belonging to the family Falconidae. It is measured 32-39 cm from head to tail having a wingspan of about 65-82 cm. They are smaller compared to other birds of prey. Females are usually larger than the males.
They have a light chestnut-brown plumage with blackish spots on the upper side and blackish streaks on the underside. Unlike any other hawks they show sexual color dimorphism; males having less spots and streaks. They have brown tails with black bars.
Food habit:They are well adapted around human settlements. Usually they hover above the ground when hunting. Another method is that, they perch a bit over the covering ground and upon spotting the prey they pounce on it. They usually feed on mouse-sized mammals, small birds, bats, frogs, lizards, earthworms,, camel spiders etc.
Distribution: They are widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. They migrate south in winter.
