CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click external link here for detailed species information
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
Click external link here to see distribution map and to hear calls
The Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small bird of prey of the family Falconidae which is in the genus Falco.
Alternative names include European Kestrel, Common Kestrel or simply
referred to as a Kestrel. This falcon occurs throughout Europe, Asia and
Africa.
More recently, the British and Irish populations have been in serious decline which
may be as a result of changes in agricultural practices and increased use of rodenticides (rat poisons). Nest predation by Common
Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Grey Crow (Corvus cornix), Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) and Common Raven (Corvus corax), whose populations have increased, may also be a factor.