The Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, which is how it derives it's
correct name, the common kestrel. The flying weight is 140-170g and
160-200g for the males and females respectively. They are able to
take starlings, grackle, and feral pigeons. Information on flying
the kestrels can be found in an article called "Hawking with the
common kestrel" written by Matt Mullenix, found in the December
1997 Hawk Chalk. One correction in his article, the bird he had was
most likely a male. Even though the plumages are nearly identical
in their first year, they still can be sexed when they are in full
feather with a high percentage of accuracy.
Bill West, a falconer from Fredericksburg, VA,
bought an eyass female kestrel the summer of 2000. While lure
flying it in the fall, he caught several starlings and a pigeon.
During the winter, it was put up for partial moult at 265 grams.
The spring of 2001 he resumed flying the bird at 200g.
The current breeding stock are seized birds that
were imported from Kuwait by some people who thought they would
make good pets (they even were keeping them in a cage...). They
were then relocated to us after they were seized.
Please see Matthew Mullinex's opinion of his kestrel
Video of the kestrel is available.
Please go to the video page to view
it.
Pictures:
Click on an image below to view it full size.
Size/color comparison between American kestrel
(Falco sparverius, left), and the Eurasian kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus, right), Dave Mancini in the
center
Female leaving nest box
Female feeding young
Female in nestbox sitting on eggs
Adult male kestrel on ground
Adult male kestrel next to adult female
Immature female kestrel
Adult male kestrel
Kestrel of Matthew Mullinex's on his glove
Kestrel of Matthew Mullinex's on a freshly caught
pigeon