Common kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
The Aves Falco tinnunculus, commonly known as the Common Kestrel or "Cernícalo Vulgar" in the Comunidad Valenciana, is a small bird of prey belonging to the falcon family. This species is widely recognized for its adaptability and can often be seen hovering effortlessly in search of prey.
Key characteristics of the Common Kestrel include:
- Size: It measures about 32 to 39 cm in length with a wingspan of 65 to 82 cm.
- Plumage: Males typically have a rufous back and wing coverts, a slate-grey head and tail, and black markings, while females and juveniles display heavily spotted brown plumage.
- Diet: Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and insects, which they hunt by hovering at a height and then diving down to capture their prey.
- Habitat: Common Kestrels are adaptable and thrive in a variety of environments, including open fields, farmland, and urban areas, making the Comunidad Valenciana a suitable habitat.
- Behavior: Known for their distinctive hovering flight, they are often seen with their wings held in a shallow ‘V’ shape and tail fanned.
The "Cernícalo Vulgar" is a resilient bird often spotted in open spaces throughout the Comunidad Valenciana, adapting well to both rural and urban settings.