Wildlifeof Bhutan
Common Kestrel
Birds of Prey
Photo: Frank Vassen · CC BY 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Falco tinnunculus
Basic stats
Habitat
Open habitat such as fields, heath, shrubland and marsh in the lowlands
Size
32–39cm
Wingspan
65–82cm
Weight
Males 136–252g; females 154–314g
The common kestrel is a small falcon, 32 to 39cm long with a wingspan of 65 to 82cm. It has long wings and a long tail. The plumage is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots above and buff with narrow blackish streaks below. Unlike most raptors the sexes differ in colour, the male having fewer black spots and a blue-grey cap and tail. All have a prominent black malar stripe (Wikipedia, general species account).
The female is noticeably larger, averaging 184g against the male's 155g. It is a diurnal bird of the lowlands that prefers open habitat, pouncing on prey it spots moving by. In the cool-temperate parts of its range it migrates south in winter and otherwise is sedentary. The sources read give nothing specific to Bhutan.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Common Kestrel live in?
- Open habitat such as fields, heath, shrubland and marsh in the lowlands
- How big is the Common Kestrel?
- 32–39cm
- What is the wingspan of the Common Kestrel?
- 65–82cm
- How much does the Common Kestrel weigh?
- Males 136–252g; females 154–314g