Falco naumanni - Lesser Kestrel
Feather characters. Barbules are long (1.9-2.2 mm), entangled and divided into pigmented nodes and unpigmented internodes. Occasionally, some pigment may be found in parts (less than 50%) of internodes. Slightly thickened nodes (16-18 per mm) are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules, only slightly decreasing in size towards distal end. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Prongs are generally absent. Occasionally minute prongs are found on distal end of barbules.
Field characters. Length 29-32 cm; wingspan 58-72 cm. Weight: male 141 g (90-176), female 164 g (109-208) (Dunning, 1993). Resembles Common Kestrel but smaller with rounded wings, more delicately built and male more brightly coloured. Tail slightly shorter; when perched wingtips reach dark subterminal tail-band (unlike Kestrel). Male has unspotted chestnut mantle, blue-grey head and tail, and large blue-grey patch on inner-wing; black terminal band on tail wider than in Kestrel; underparts paler than Kestrel. Female very similar to female Kestrel but slimmer; underparts paler and less streaked; upperparts thinner barred, with larger contrast between dark outer and paler inner wing. In close view, note weaker face pattern (weaker moustachial stripe and no eye-stripe beyond eye) and light claws (Kestrel's are dark). Juvenile like adult female. Flight graceful, with shallow and fast wing-beats; hovers less persistently than Kestrel; hunts frequently late in the evening. More sociable than Kestrel; nests in colonies.
Voice. As in Kestrel but hoarser and more slurred; flight call a high-pitched, screaming "tseh tseh tseh".
Distribution. Formerly fairly common summer visitor, but has seriously declined. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. In the breeding season it frequents arid, open country and is adapted to nest-sites in buildings and ruins in towns and villages.
Food. Hunts for prey by flying low over ground interspersed with short periods to hover, followed by swoop to pounce on prey once detected. Follows prey also in the air. Feeds mainly on large insects.