Common Kestrel vs Northern Cardinal

Falco tinnunculus ile kıyaslandığında Cardinalis cardinalis

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Özellik Common Kestrel Northern Cardinal
Bilimsel Ad Falco tinnunculus Cardinalis cardinalis
Takım Falconiformes Passeriformes
Familya Falconidae Cardinalidae
Koruma Durumu Least Concern Least Concern
Uzunluk 34,0 cm (13.4 in) 22,0 cm (8.7 in)
Kanat Açıklığı 74,0 cm (29.1 in) 30,0 cm (11.8 in)
Ağırlık 190,0 g (6.70 oz) 44,0 g (1.55 oz)
Beslenme 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 …
Kuluçka Büyüklüğü 1-7 1-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Common Kestrel 34,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 22,0 cm
Kanat Açıklığı
Common Kestrel 74,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 30,0 cm
Ağırlık
Common Kestrel 190,0 g
Northern Cardinal 44,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Ortak Yaşam Alanları

Hiçbiri

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

Şarkı

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

Şarkı

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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Koruma Durumu

Least Concern

Common Kestrel

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

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How to Tell Them Apart

Common Kestrel

Tuy

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.

Gaga

Short, hooked grey bill with a yellow cere

Northern Cardinal

Tuy

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

Gaga

Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill

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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.

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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