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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Falco naumanni
Lesser kestrel (female). Greek: κιρκινέζι (θηλικό). Pefki, June 2003.
Breeding migrant from western Africa. Uncommon, becoming rare. Length 25-35 cm, wingspan 65-75 cm. Sexual dimorphism: male with grey head, rust-brown and grey back, female profusely streaked light brown overall. Gregarious behaviour. Colonial nesting mainly on rocky islets close to coastal foraging grounds. Hovers when hunting. Takes insects on ground as well as (mostly at dusk) in flight. Also feeds on small reptiles and mice.
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