Lesser Kestrel
Falco naumanni
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Falconiformes · Falconidae
About
The lesser kestrel is a small falcon. This species breeds from the Mediterranean across Afghanistan and Central Asia, to China and Mongolia. It is a summer migrant, wintering in Africa and Pakistan and sometimes even to India and Iraq. It is rare north of its breeding range, and declining in its European range. The genus name derives from Late Latin falx, falcis, a sickle, referencing the claws of the bird, and the species name commemorates the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Naumann.
Fun Fact
A roost in Senegal discovered during one of the surveys held 28,600 birds, together with 16,000 scissor-tailed kites Chelictinia riocourii.
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
Eats insects, but also small birds, reptiles and rodents (especially mice), which are often taken on the ground.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance