‘Turnip’ Size: Length (34cm/13.5in) wingspan (71-80cm.28-32in) Status: Common & widespread. 100,000 pairs + Habitat: Open country in general (Europe). Reproduction: 3-6 eggs from March to June. 27-29 day incubation Diet: Mainly small mammals. Some birds and insects.

Raptor facts

Kestrels have adapted to living in human areas, using window
Ledges as artificial cliff sites. These are the birds always seen
Hovering above the motorway grass verges.
They see in ultra violet light so kestrels see where rodents have marked their territory, as rodent urine glows in UV light.

The Kestrel wasn’t always so highly thought of. In ancient England, if you were a knave or servant, the only bird of prey you were allowed to own was a Kestrel!

The oldest recorded lifespan for a wild Kestrel is a staggering 16 years and 2 months.Wow! That’s old for a little bird!

The Kestrel is a superb bird of prey that inhabits most of the world except the North and South Pole. There are an amazing 12 sub-species apart from our own British Kestrel. Plus they can ALL hover!

Although the Kestrel is THE master in its ability to hover, it can still reach speeds of 40mph in level flight. This gives it the ability to catch a variety of small birds to add to its mainly mammal diet.

The Kestrel is a very brave bird. They have regularly been seen driving off crows and even eagles that come too close to their nesting areas. Don’t worry though, they don’t attack humans…they just shout abuse!