Common Kestrel

Habitat:

Lost in migration ;)

Notes:

I think this Lady got a bit lost due to the strong winds we had. Common Kestrels are rather rare to see in Kuwait - Lesser Kestrel is more Common (even though they are endangered). It was a nice surprise to see her on the balcony and get a clear shot of her black claws. There are only a few ways you can distinguish a Common from a Lesser Kestrel: Male: No mustache below the eyes and no spots on the back, less spotting on the chest, bluish wing panel on the back, head more bluish, underwing more whitish with darker tips. Female: hard to distinguish, paler underside on average with finer streaks, finer moustachial stripe, lacks dark streak from eye and back Both: White claws, slightly shorter wings and tail, which are broader when fully spread. I hope this Lady had a safe journey, if she’s a migrating bird. Sadly bird shooting, especially during migration time, is still a very popular ‘sport’ in Kuwait.