Common Kestrel vs Northern Cardinal

Falco tinnunculus comparado com Cardinalis cardinalis

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Atributo Common Kestrel Northern Cardinal
Nome científico Falco tinnunculus Cardinalis cardinalis
Ordem Falconiformes Passeriformes
Família Falconidae Cardinalidae
Estado de conservação Least Concern Least Concern
Comprimento 34,0 cm (13.4 in) 22,0 cm (8.7 in)
Envergadura 74,0 cm (29.1 in) 30,0 cm (11.8 in)
Peso 190,0 g (6.70 oz) 44,0 g (1.55 oz)
Dieta Primarily voles and mice, also lizards, large insects, and small birds. Hunts by hovering at … Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly …
Tamanho da postura 1-7 1-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Common Kestrel 34,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 22,0 cm
Envergadura
Common Kestrel 74,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 30,0 cm
Peso
Common Kestrel 190,0 g
Northern Cardinal 44,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Habitats partilhados

Nenhum

Common Kestrel only

Northern Cardinal only

Common Kestrel

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

Northern Cardinal

Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.

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Song & Call Comparison

Common Kestrel

Canto

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.

Northern Cardinal

Canto

Loud, clear whistled phrases: 'cheer-cheer-cheer' and 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both male and female sing; female song is softer. Alarm is a sharp metallic 'chink'.

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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.

Northern Cardinal

Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.

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Estado de conservação

Least Concern

Common Kestrel

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

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How to Tell Them Apart

Common Kestrel

Plumagem

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.

Bico

Short, hooked grey bill with a yellow cere

Northern Cardinal

Plumagem

Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.

Bico

Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill

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About These Birds

Common Kestrel

Peneireiro-vulgar (Falco tinnunculus) — 32-38 cm. Falcão mais comum da Europa e Ásia, reconhecível pelo pairar estacionário com batimento rápido de asas enquanto caça. Macho com cabeça e cauda cinzentas e dorso castanho avermelhado manchado; fêmea mais barrada. Habita campos abertos, zonas costeiras e áreas urbanas. Alimenta-se de pequenos mamíferos, insetos e lagartos.

Northern Cardinal

The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often in duets. Cardinals do not migrate and their brilliant red plumage against winter snow makes them a favorite among backyard birdwatchers.

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