Lesser Kestrel

The Lesser Kestrel, smaller than the Common Kestrel, is distinguished by white claws and differences in plumage. The adult male has rufous upperparts, blue-grey head and coverts, black flight feathers and cream underparts with pink tints and dark spots. It lacks a moustache and has a yellow cere and eye ring. In flight it is pale with pale grey wings and tail. The female is duller with rufous brown and barred upperparts and mottled underparts. The juvenile resembles the female but with less barring and a less marked moustache. Although historically common in agricultural areas, its habitat has declined but is showing signs of stabilisation thanks to conservation efforts.

A distinguishing behaviour of this bird is that it dives towards its prey, catches it with its claws and pierces its skull with its beak provoking instant death.