top of page
Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Falco tinnunculus
Eurasian kestrel (female). Greek: βραχoκιρκίvεζo (θηλικό). Katavia, September 2022.
Resident, common, sparse distribution. Length 32-39 cm, wingspan 65-82 cm. Male with grey head, chestnut back with dark spots, female mottled brown overall. Diverse open areas with scattered trees and shrubs. Hunts from perch (power lines, tree tops, fence poles) or by low cruising flight, often hovers before swooping down on prey, occasionally takes insects, small birds on the wing. Feeds mainly on mice, lizards, large insects. Nests on cliffs, one or two broods per season. Aggressively territorial when breeding, often seen chasing ravens, larger raptors.
bottom of page