Common Kestrel

falcon · hover-hunting · small-predator · europe

Hovers in place. The common kestrel can stay perfectly still in the air by flying into the wind, making it look like it's frozen in the sky. This amazing skill lets it spot mice and voles moving on the ground far below.

Super sharp vision. Kestrels can see details on the ground from high up in the air that would be completely blurry to human eyes. Their eyesight is about eight times better than ours, which makes them expert hunters.

Found across Europe. Common kestrels live all over Europe, from the UK to Russia, and many migrate to Africa for winter. They adapt to different habitats, from cities to grasslands to mountains.

Small but fierce. Despite being one of the smallest falcons, kestrels are fearless hunters that catch and eat small birds, mice, and insects. They're quick and agile enough to snatch prey right out of the air.

Clever nesters. Kestrels don't build their own nests, they nest in holes and cavities in trees, cliffs, or buildings, and sometimes even in old crow nests. They've become really good at living in cities where they use window ledges and church towers as homes.