Lesser Kestrel
Thus, it belongs to the smaller falcon species found and living in Africa. Visually, the female is particularly hard to distinguish from a common kestrel, which also has a brown to light brown plumage color.
Appearance
Thus, it belongs rather to the smaller falcon species that occur and live in Africa. Visually, the female is hardly distinguishable from a kestrel, which also has a brown to light brown plumage color. The back and the upper side of the wings are dark, while the belly and the underside of the wings are light. A special feature of this falcon is the black spots that spread from the chest to the inner sides of the wings. Furthermore, the small but pointed beak should be mentioned, which is slightly curved downwards and has a light color.
Preferred Habitat
First, the habitat should be mentioned, which ranges from dry steppes, through semi-deserts, to savannas with few trees and bushes. However, the falcons are also found in agriculturally used areas where hunting ground-dwelling mammals is easy. In Africa, this bird is found mainly south of the Sahara Desert in the east and the center of the country. Here it spends the winter, with the animals often gathering in large colonies and using the same roosting sites.
Feeding Habits of the Lesser Kestrel
The bird's diet consists mainly of voles and insects, but the falcon is very adaptable and also preys on other animals. These include young rabbits, smaller birds, bats, and lizards. Depending on the prey and habitat, the lesser kestrel either hunts from a perch from which it can survey the entire surroundings with its sharp eyes. Often it circles over a fixed area until it has spotted prey. As is typical for falcons, the lesser kestrel also dives at high speed towards its prey and strikes it with its long talons.
