Nankeen Kestrel
A species of True Falcons Scientific name : Falco cenchroides Genus : True Falcons
Nankeen Kestrel, A species of True Falcons
Botanical name: Falco cenchroides
Genus: True Falcons
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The nankeen kestrel is a small, slim falcon 28 to 35 cm (11 to 14 in) long with a wingspan of 66 to 78 cm (26 to 31 in). The male weighs 121 to 195 g (4.3 to 6.9 oz) while the female weighs 115 to 273 g (4.1 to 9.6 oz). It has pale rufous upper-parts with contrasting black flight-feathers and is finely streaked white below, with a black subterminal band. The cere, eye-ring, and legs are yellow. The male has a pale grey crown and tail with a darker grey tear-mark, while the female and juvenile have a pale rufous crown and finely barred rufous tail. Plumage varies considerably in detail, and some birds can look very scruffy, but the slim build, small size and distinctive straight-winged hovering habit make identification easy. The only other Australasian raptors to hover are the elanid kites, which are much lighter in colour and a little larger, and the brown falcon, which is much larger and more heavily built, and hovers only with difficulty. Altogether, the nankeen kestrel looks just like a pale, less patterned, and smaller derivate of the Eurasian kestrel, which it indeed is (see Gloger's Rule, Bergmann's Rule). 
Size
35 cm
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
7 years
Feeding Habits
Nankeen Kestrel primarily consumes insects, small birds, reptiles, and mice. They employ multiple hunting strategies, most notably perching in high vantage points and their distinctive hover-hunting over fields.
Habitat
Nankeen Kestrel typically inhabits a diverse range of open territories, which may include grasslands, savannas, open woodlands, farmlands, and coastal regions. Their presence is prominent across temperate zones to tropical regions, avoiding only areas of dense vegetation. Nankeen Kestrel often resides in areas that provide vantage points such as cliffs or trees in rural landscapes, as well as constructed structures like buildings and poles in urban settings. The species' adaptability also extends to higher altitudes, reaching up to 3800 meters in New Guinea. Nest sites are varied, utilizing convenient structures from tree hollows to cliff ledges and sometimes repurposing nests from other bird species. Monogamous pairs of nankeen Kestrel may remain in their habitat year-round or engage in seasonal movements in search of food.
Dite type
Carnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Distribution Area
A very common and easily seen raptor, the nankeen kestrel is found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, and is an irregular visitor to New Zealand. It occupies any type of land that is not too densely vegetated, but in particular temperate grasslands and open woodlands. In the tropical north and the sandy deserts of the west, it has a patchy and seasonal distribution. It can be seen in Western Australia on coastal cliffs and windy conditions. Also seen on phone lines and power lines. Like many Australian birds, it has no clear migratory pattern: in the grasslands of the south, established pairs are resident year-round, but many other birds migrate north during the austral winter, or roam the arid interior following food supplies. Typically seen singly or in pairs, they can aggregate into loose flocks of up to 30 when conditions are right. Pairs are typically monogamous and may or may not disperse to different areas during the non-breeding season. The nest is any convenient structure: a tree hollow, cliff ledge or disused corvid's nest, for example, and is not modified or added to by the kestrels.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Diurnal Birds of Prey Family
Falcons and caracaras Genus
True Falcons Species
Nankeen Kestrel 
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