Common Kestrel vs Superb Fairywren
Falco tinnunculus comparé à Malurus cyaneus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Common Kestrel | Superb Fairywren |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Falco tinnunculus | Malurus cyaneus |
| Ordre | Falconiformes | Passeriformes |
| Famille | Falconidae | Maluridae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 34,0 cm (13.4 in) | 14,0 cm (5.5 in) |
| Envergure | 74,0 cm (29.1 in) | 16,0 cm (6.3 in) |
| Poids | 190,0 g (6.70 oz) | 10,0 g (0.35 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Primarily voles and mice, also lizards, large insects, and small birds. Hunts by hovering at … | Primarily insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from low vegetation. Also takes seeds and small … |
| Taille de la couvée | 1-7 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Habitats partagés
Common Kestrel only
Superb Fairywren only
Common Kestrel
Open country including farmland, grasslands, moorland, and urban areas. Common along motorways and in cities across Europe.
Superb Fairywren
Dense undergrowth in eucalyptus woodland, gardens, parks, and heath throughout southeastern Australia.
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.
Superb Fairywren
An extremely complex, melodic song: a long series of trills and warbles delivered rapidly. Males sing throughout the day. Alarm is a sharp 'tseet'. Among Australia's finest singers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Kestrel
Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the most common and widespread raptors in the Old World.
Superb Fairywren
Southeastern Australia from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, to South Australia and Tasmania.
Statut de conservation
Common Kestrel
Superb Fairywren
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
Superb Fairywren
Breeding males have a brilliant violet-blue crown, ear coverts, and mantle with a black throat band. Non-breeding males and females are plain brown with a blue tail.
Fine, pointed, dark bill
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.
Superb Fairywren
The superb fairywren is one of Australia's most beloved and recognizable birds, with breeding males dressed in spectacular violet-blue plumage. These tiny birds live in cooperative family groups where helpers assist the breeding pair in raising young. Males pluck and present yellow flower petals to females as part of courtship.