Common kestrel

The common kestrel is a small falcon found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It hovers mid-air like a helicopter while hunting for mice and insects below. In many places, it's the only local kestrel species, so people simply call it 'the kestrel.'

• Hunts by hovering in place before diving on prey
• Belongs to the falcon family but smaller than most
• Called just 'kestrel' in places where it's the only type