Common Kestrel - Martin Batt
Where and when to see: Seen across the island in small numbers during the summer
Latin name: Falco tinnunculus
A common sighting across the British Isles in open country or along airfields, roadsides, arable fields, heaths and marshes the Kestrel is a small Falcon at 31-37cm long with a wingspan of 68-78cm. The back and upper-wing coverts are reddish-brown with darker feathers on the wing tips. The underside is pale with bold, dark spots. The male’s head and tail are blue-grey whereas the female’s are brown. Expert on the wing, the kestrel can hover in the air watching for small mammals and insects below before swooping down to catch them.
Status in Alderney: Rare Breeder and Scarce Migrant
Status in UK (RSPB Criteria): Amber
Worldwide Status (IUCN Red List and Population Trend): Least Concern; Decreasing