Common Kestrel (European Kestrel)

The Common Kestrel is a small falcon famous for its habit of hovering over fields to spot small mammals and insects. It has long, pointed wings, a rusty-red back with dark spots, and a long, finely barred tail.

Characterized by bold dark brown or black horizontal bars across a greyish-brown or rufous background, featuring a prominent wide subterminal dark band and a narrow pale white tip.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure on the vane with a sturdy central rachis and minimal downy base.

Smooth, firm, and matte texture with rigid vane construction suited for steering during high-speed aerial flight.

Distinctive dark horizontal barring across a warm brown/grey ground color, ending in a bold dark subterminal band and pale fringe.

Open country, agricultural land, scrublands, moorlands, cliffs, and urban areas where there are open spaces for hunting.

Widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East. Resident or migratory depending on the latitude.

Acts as a primary apex avian predator for small rodents and large insects, helping to naturally regulate pest populations.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk or Merlin feathers, but distinguished by the specific bold blocky barring pattern and subterminal band of a kestrel tail.

Kestrels have extraordinary vision and can see ultraviolet light, allowing them to track the urine trails of voles left in the grass.

Good condition, clean, intact barbs, showing minimal signs of wear or fading.