Bird+of+the+Week--Common+Kestrel

 ........................................................................ __Falco Tinnunculus__
__ (Common Kestrel) __



__How to Recognize a Common Kestrel:__ light brown feathers with subtle mottling; display sexual color dimorphism (the male having less spots and a blue/grey cap and tail); long wings and tail; bright yellow cere; dark bill, toenail, and iris __Wing Span__: 26-32 inches __Life Span__: 16 years on average __Vocalization__: [] __Habitat__: throughout western Europe, northern Africa, and northern Middle East all year and all of Europe (as well as the normal locations of Africa and the Middle East) during the breeding season __Diet__: mostly small mammals such as mice, shrews, and moles, with some seasonal arthropods __Fun Fact__: Kestrels are one of the few birds that can hover and keep their heads completely still, even during periods of high wind!

 (posted by: Sarah Beitzel - okay, so is this birdie here related to the falcon or the hawk? based upon the coloring and intense eyes that it has I would think it does... also based upon the scientific nomenclature I would... but I'm not sure. Am I right?!   (posted by Cheyenne in response to Sarah - Falcons are part of the Hawk family :] )