Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

A new addition to the centre for 2010 is a young Common Kestrel. He/she will be hand raised during June and July, and will then be used as part of flying team of birds.

In the wild

The Common Kestrel is the third most common species bird of prey in the UK. They are very often seen hovering in the sky- especially along motorways as the verges are undisturbed and therefore plently of prey lives there.

Origin: Throughout Europe, parts of Asia and Africa.

Diet:  Wide variety, mostly small mammals (especially voles), small birds, reptiles, insects, also earthworms and amphibians occasionally. 

Habitat: Wide variety from open (e.g semi-desert) to enlcosed (e.g woodlands). Typically: parklands, woodland edge, moorland, cultivation, grassland, wetlands. Also now in urban areas and especially visible on motorway verges where narrow grassy stripes provide good hunting.