Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and urban areas. Common along motorways and in cities across Europe.
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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Common Kestrel
Chant
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.
Cryptic Forest-falcon
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Geographic Range & Migration
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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.
Cryptic Forest-falcon
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Statut de conservation
Least Concern
Common Kestrel
Near Threatened
Cryptic Forest-falcon
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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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.
Bec
Short, hooked grey bill with a yellow cere
Cryptic Forest-falcon
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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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More Birds in Family
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