Lesser Kestrel
NameLesser Kestrel
Common NameLesser Kestrel
Scientific NameFalco naumanni
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)137.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a grey head, nape, and unbarred grey tail. The back and upperwing coverts are unspotted rufous. Underparts are pale buff, unstreaked. Primaries and secondaries are dark. The cere and orbital ring are yellow. Females are generally browner with a barred back and streaked underparts, resembling a female Common Kestrel but lacking dark claws.
Vocalization / CallTypically a high-pitched, rapid 'kew-kew-kew' or 'chee-chee-chee'. It is generally less vocal than the Common Kestrel.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the Mediterranean basin, parts of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and China. Winters primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
Identifying Featuresunspotted rufous back (male), grey head (male), unbarred grey tail (male), pale unstreaked underparts (male), yellow cere and orbital ring, colonial nesting behavior, often hovers while hunting
Description
The Lesser Kestrel is a small, slender falcon often seen hovering over open ground. Males are distinctive with a grey head and unspotted rufous back, while females are browner and more streaked. They are highly social, often nesting in colonies.
