Kestrel

Latin name: Falco tinnunculus

Description

Fairly pointed wings and long tail. The male has a gray-blue head, rump, and tail, which is black at the tip. The female is more reddish brown with black bars. Characteristic hovering flight.

Habitat

The kestrel is a typical inhabitant of open environments such as farmland, meadows, and alpine pastures.

Behavior

Rather solitary. Often perched high up or hovering above meadows, searching for small mammals or lizards to feed on. Partial migrant.

Reproduction

It nests in rock faces or on large buildings, sometimes in crows' nests or nesting boxes.

Diet

Mainly small rodents (especially voles), which it hunts in alpine pastures or agricultural areas.

Observation period: April to September