Common Kestrel vs Peregrine Falcon
Falco tinnunculus comparé à Falco peregrinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Common Kestrel | Peregrine Falcon |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Falco tinnunculus | Falco peregrinus |
| Ordre | Falconiformes | Falconiformes |
| Famille | Falconidae | Falconidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 34,0 cm (13.4 in) | 43,0 cm (16.9 in) |
| Envergure | 74,0 cm (29.1 in) | 104,0 cm (40.9 in) |
| Poids | 190,0 g (6.70 oz) | 750,0 g (26.46 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Primarily voles and mice, also lizards, large insects, and small birds. Hunts by hovering at … | Almost exclusively medium-sized birds caught in flight, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and songbirds. Hunts with … |
| Taille de la couvée | 1-7 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Habitats partagés
Common Kestrel only
Aucun(e)
Peregrine Falcon only
Common Kestrel
Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and urban areas. Common along motorways and in cities across Europe.
Peregrine Falcon
Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near cliffs or tall structures. Increasingly found in cities nesting on skyscrapers and bridges.
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.
Peregrine Falcon
A harsh, wailing 'kak-kak-kak-kak' repeated rapidly in defense of the nest. Alarm call is a long screaming 'raaak'. Mostly silent away from breeding sites.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Kestrel
Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the most common and widespread raptors in the Old World.
Peregrine Falcon
One of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Migratory populations travel vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
Statut de conservation
Common Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
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
Peregrine Falcon
Blue-grey upperparts with barred white underparts. A distinctive black moustachial stripe contrasts with the white throat and cheeks.
Short, notched blue-grey bill with a yellow cere
Key Differences
- • Weight: Peregrine Falcon (750g) vs Common Kestrel (190g)
- • Length: Peregrine Falcon (43 cm) vs Common Kestrel (34 cm)
- • Wingspan: Peregrine Falcon (104 cm) vs Common Kestrel (74 cm)
- • Habitat: Peregrine Falcon prefers Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near clif; Common Kestrel prefers Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and u
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.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 389 km/h during its characteristic hunting stoop. Like the bald eagle, peregrines suffered dramatic declines from DDT but have recovered through intensive conservation programs. They have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.