Common Kestrel vs Resplendent Quetzal
Falco tinnunculus comparado con Pharomachrus mocinno
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Atributo | Common Kestrel | Resplendent Quetzal |
|---|---|---|
| Nombre científico | Falco tinnunculus | Pharomachrus mocinno |
| Orden | Falconiformes | Trogoniformes |
| Familia | Falconidae | Trogonidae |
| Estado de conservación | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Longitud | 34,0 cm (13.4 in) | 36,0 cm (14.2 in) |
| Envergadura | 74,0 cm (29.1 in) | 50,0 cm (19.7 in) |
| Peso | 190,0 g (6.70 oz) | 210,0 g (7.41 oz) |
| Dieta | Primarily voles and mice, also lizards, large insects, and small birds. Hunts by hovering at … | Primarily wild avocados and other laurel family fruits, supplemented with insects, lizards, and frogs. A … |
| Tamaño de la puesta | 1-7 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Hábitats compartidos
Common Kestrel only
Resplendent Quetzal only
Common Kestrel
Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and urban areas. Common along motorways and in cities across Europe.
Resplendent Quetzal
Montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters. Requires old-growth forest with dead trees for nesting cavities.
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.
Resplendent Quetzal
Melodious, repetitive cooing: a series of 'kowee-kowee-kowee' or 'woh-woh-woh-woh' phrases. Male sings from high exposed perches in cloud forest canopy. Evocative highland call.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Kestrel
Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the most common and widespread raptors in the Old World.
Resplendent Quetzal
Southern Mexico through Central America to western Panama. Resident in mountain cloud forests.
Estado de conservación
Common Kestrel
Resplendent Quetzal
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
Resplendent Quetzal
Males have iridescent emerald-green upperparts, a crimson-red breast, and extraordinarily long green tail coverts streaming up to 65 cm beyond the tail. Females are duller with grey breasts.
Short, broad, bright yellow bill partially hidden by green feathers
Key Differences
- • Weight: Resplendent Quetzal (210g) vs Common Kestrel (190g)
- • Length: Resplendent Quetzal (36 cm) vs Common Kestrel (34 cm)
- • Wingspan: Resplendent Quetzal (50 cm) vs Common Kestrel (74 cm)
- • Conservation: Resplendent Quetzal (Near Threatened) vs Common Kestrel (Least Concern)
- • Family: Resplendent Quetzal (Trogonidae) vs Common Kestrel (Falconidae)
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.
Resplendent Quetzal
The resplendent quetzal was considered divine by the Maya and Aztec civilizations, associated with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Its iridescent green plumage and long tail streamers make it one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Guatemala's currency is named after this bird.