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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Falco vespertinus
Red-footed falcon (male). Greek: μαυροκιρκίνεζο (αρσενικό). Kalathos, April 2023.
Passage migrant, uncommon, small flocks of spring migrants in some years. Near-threatened status globally. Length 30-35 cm, wingspan 65-75 cm. Prominent sexual dimorphism: male blue-grey overall with orange vent and 'pants,' female with grey back and wings, orange head and underparts and white face. Gregarious behaviour. Brief feeding/resting stopovers, often in olive groves crossed by power lines serving as stalking perches. Takes prey (mostly large insects) on ground.
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