Common Kestrel vs African Hobby
Falco tinnunculus compared with Falco cuvierii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Kestrel | African Hobby |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Falco tinnunculus | Falco cuvierii |
| Order | Falconiformes | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae | Falconidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 34.0 cm (13.4 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 74.0 cm (29.1 in) | 45.3 cm (17.8 in) |
| Weight | 190.0 g (6.70 oz) | 178.25 g (6.29 oz) |
| Diet | Primarily voles and mice, also lizards, large insects, and small birds. Hunts by hovering at … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-7 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Common Kestrel only
African Hobby only
Common Kestrel
Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and urban areas. Common along motorways and in cities across Europe.
Song & Call Comparison
Common Kestrel
A shrill, repeated 'kee-kee-kee-kee' or 'kik-ik-ik', especially near nest. Alarm call is a nasal chattering. Generally less vocal than larger falcons. Calls ring clearly in open country.
African Hobby
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Kestrel
Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the most common and widespread raptors in the Old World.
African Hobby
Conservation Status
Common Kestrel
African Hobby
How to Tell Them Apart
Common Kestrel
Males have a blue-grey head and tail with a rufous back spotted with black. Females are rufous-brown with heavy barring. Both have a dark moustachial stripe.
Short, hooked grey bill with a yellow cere
African Hobby
About These Birds
Common Kestrel
The common kestrel is Europe's most abundant falcon, famous for its ability to hover motionless in the wind while scanning for prey. Research has shown kestrels can see ultraviolet light, allowing them to detect vole urine trails that reflect UV. The species has adapted remarkably well to urban environments.
African Hobby
The African Hobby is a compact falcon of the Falconidae family, sporting a wingspan of about 45 cm. It is an agile aerial hunter found across sub-Saharan Africa, pursuing insects and small birds with swift, dashing flight.