Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Lagoa do Peixe, RS • November 2009

Bird name: American Kestrel
Latin: Falco sparverius
Other: Sparrow Hawk (US) • Quiriquiri (Br), Falcão-americano • Cernícalo americano (Es), Halconcito colorado
Family: Falconidae • Falcons

A pair of American Kestrels were roosting on the satellite tower in Mostardas, so I took this distant photo from my hotel room window for the record, but regrettably didn’t have the time to get closer for a better shot.

The American Kestrel is the smallest of American falcons and widely distributed throughout the Americas.More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye.com • France • 2009 • Do not copy

Bird name: Common Kestrel
Latin: Falco tinnunculus
Other: Faucon Crécerelle
Family: Falconidae • Birds of Prey

The male Kestrel has a grey cap and tail (below), while the female is brown (above). Their region is Europe and around the Mediterranean, and some parts of Asia.

Kestrels, with the Common Buzzard, are the most abundant and visible birds of prey in Europe - they are often seen hovering in mid air before swooping down to catch a lizard or small mammal.

They are small birds, a little larger than pigeons.

More photos...