Common kestrel — Falco tinnunculus

The Falco  tinnunculus, commonly known as the common kestrel, is a bird of prey belonging to the Falconidae family. It is a widespread and familiar species, known for its distinctive hunting behavior and hovering flight pattern. The common kestrel exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the males and females displaying different plumage characteristics. This bird of prey is prevalent across a wide range of habitats and has a significant distribution across various regions.

Distribution:
The common kestrel is a versatile species with a broad distribution, found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Europe, it ranges from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Ural Mountains in the east, and from Scandinavia in the north to the Mediterranean in the south. It is notably absent from Iceland and the far north of Scandinavia. In Asia, the common kestrel extends its range into the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and as far east as China and Japan. In Africa, it occurs in North Africa, the Sahel region, and the Horn of Africa, and it also ventures into parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

This versatile distribution allows the common kestrel to inhabit a range of environments, including farmland, grassland, woodland, and urban areas. It can be found in open country, agricultural landscapes, and even cityscapes, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse ecosystems.

The common kestrel’s ability to thrive in various habitats has contributed to its widespread presence across different geographic regions. Its range overlaps with that of other kestrel species, such as the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) in parts of Europe and Asia.

Overall, the common kestrel’s distribution reflects its adaptability and successful colonization of a wide range of habitats, making it a well-known and widely distributed bird of prey across its native range in Europe, Asia, and Africa.