Eurasian Kestrel

Description:

Also known as 'common', 'European' or 'Old World' Kestrel, or 'Windhover', for its typical way of hunting. These are small sized birds of prey, 35 to 40 cm in length when compared to other raptors; and also have a long sickle-like or boomerang-like wings and long and relatively narrow tail. They are chestnut in color with blackish spots on the upper side, while buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. The male sports a blue-grey cap and tail, with a black tip with a narrow white rim. There is also a prominent black malar stripe.

Habitat:

In Mediterranean, this Kestrel is a common bird, widespread and present all-year-round. Here, observed hunting near cliffs on a dry rocky-and-grassland escarpment, over Skradin valley. The rich Skradin valley is close to Krka National Park, park itself enclosing a river forming several waterfalls and lakes, and surrounded by a lush broad leaved forest. However, this escarpment is much more arid, and covered by a vegetation adapted to prolonged arid conditions.