Taxonomy
Falco tinnunculus | Common Kestrel | Pocaire gaoithe
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high conservation value as a result.
In the most recent Birds of
Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 report, the Kestrel was moved from
the Amber to the Red-list. This is attributable to severe declines in viable
breeding populations in recent years (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
Many reasons for the decline in
Kestrel have been noted such as reduced prey availability, intensification of
agriculture and secondary rodenticide poisoning (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
According to the IUCN Red List,
the Kestrel is of ‘least concern’ globally but the population trend is
decreasing.
Species Biology
Identification
A Kestrel can be readily
identified by its narrow, sharply pointed wings, long tail and short, hooked
bill.
Can often be spotted hovering
above roadside verges while it scans for prey items.
This relatively small raptor stands
at approximately 34 cm in length with a wingspan of 71-80 cm.
The smaller male typically weighs
less than 200 grams (around 190), while the larger female can be upwards of 200
grams (up to 250).
The Kestrel will sport a brown
back and inner upperwings and much darker upper outer wings. These contrasting
colours are much more noticeable in flight. The underwings have dark bars
running along them and the body will have many dark spots along it.
Some sexual dimorphism can be
seen in this species as males have a bluish-grey head while females have a
brown head. There is also differences in colouration and patterning between the
upper tails of this species with the female once again sporting a duller brown
colour compared to the males blue-grey.
Diet
This generalist raptor feeds on a
variety of prey items from mammals such as voles, mice and shrews to small
birds and even invertebrates such as insects and annelids.
Due to its ability to hover in
place, combined with its impeccable eyesight, this species can spot a mammal as
small as a mouse with ease and will often spot their prey along linear features
such as hedgerows where mammals will pass to avoid straying into open ground.
Habitat
This species occurs in different
habitat types across Ireland.
Despite its ability to thrive in
many habitat types, the Kestrel tends to avoid densely planted forests, and
exposed mountains.
Reproduction
The Kestrel lays a clutch of 3-6
eggs in late April to early May. These eggs weigh approximately 21 grams.
After an incubation period of
27-29 days, the eggs hatch and the young will undergo a fledging period of
32-37 days. During the early stages of the chick’s life, the female stays near
the nest while the male provides the food.
The average life expectancy for a
Kestrel is four years with breeding occurring after the first year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Kestrel is widespread
throughout Ireland and resides here throughout the year.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch
Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/kestrel/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/kestrel/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob3040.htm