Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
DESCRIPTION
Smaller of local raptors. Distinctive light brown in colour with light almost white underbelly. Easily identified by hunting method hovering into head winds with short fast wing beats to maintain hunting position. Male and female identified by size and the male having a light blue/ grey head and tail feathers.
HABITAT
Kestrels will nest almost anywhere depending on the availability of food and prey species. Often found close to urban industrial and suburban areas, parkland, quarries, moorland and conifer plantations. Kestrels do not build nests but occupy a bare ledge on cliff or quarry faces. Sometimes know to use tree cavities and prone to using artificial nest boxes.
FOOD
Mainly prey on small mammals mice, voles and sometimes small birds such as house sparrows, finches and starlings. Seasonally feeds on large beetles, grasshoppers and sometimes lizards in upland areas.
BREEDING
Courtship displays around March - April time. Egg laying takes place between mid April to early May, young in nest from early June. Clutch sizes range between 4 and 5 eggs occasionally know to have up to 6 eggs.