Greater Kestrel
NameGreater Kestrel
Common NameGreater Kestrel
Scientific NameFalco rupicoloides
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)31.5
Weight (g)255
Plumage DetailsPredominantly rufous-brown plumage with heavy dark barring on the back, wings, and tail. The head is unstreaked rufous, and the underparts are paler with fine spotting. Flight feathers are dark, contrasting with the rufous body.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of harsh, chattering 'kreek-kreek-kreek' calls, often given when alarmed or in flight.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Southern and East Africa, with its range extending from South Africa northwards through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and parts of Angola, Zambia, and Ethiopia.
Identifying FeaturesRufous head without a malar stripe, Heavily barred rufous plumage, Pale iris (yellowish-white), Yellow cere and feet, Long tail with dark barring
Description
The Greater Kestrel is a medium-sized raptor characterized by its rufous-brown plumage with heavy dark barring. It is often seen hovering over open grasslands and semi-deserts while hunting for insects and small vertebrates.
