Common Kestrel vs Laggar Falcon

Falco tinnunculus compared with Falco jugger

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Common Kestrel Laggar Falcon
Scientific Name Falco tinnunculus Falco jugger
Order Falconiformes Falconiformes
Family Falconidae Falconidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length 34.0 cm (13.4 in)
Wingspan 74.0 cm (29.1 in) 66.3 cm (26.1 in)
Weight 190.0 g (6.70 oz) 710.0 g (25.04 oz)
Diet Primarily voles and mice, also lizards, large insects, and small birds. Hunts by hovering at … --
Clutch Size 1-7 2-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Common Kestrel 34.0 cm
Laggar Falcon
Wingspan
Common Kestrel 74.0 cm
Laggar Falcon 66.3 cm
Weight
Common Kestrel 190.0 g
Laggar Falcon 710.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Common Kestrel only

Laggar Falcon only

None

Common Kestrel

Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and urban areas. Common along motorways and in cities across Europe.

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Song & Call Comparison

Common Kestrel

Song

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.

Laggar Falcon

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Geographic Range & Migration

Common Kestrel

Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the most common and widespread raptors in the Old World.

Laggar Falcon

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Common Kestrel

Near Threatened

Laggar Falcon

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How to Tell Them Apart

Common Kestrel

Plumage

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.

Bill

Short, hooked grey bill with a yellow cere

Laggar Falcon

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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.

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Related Comparisons

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