Falco tinnunculus (Common Kestrel – Βραχοκιρκίνεζο) 

Vasos Vasiliou

Identification & Appearance

  • Length: 30–36 cm
  • Wingspan: 70–80 cm
  • Weight: 150–250 g
  • Male: Rufous-brown upperparts with dark spots, grey head and tail with a black terminal band. Underparts pale buff with dark streaks.
  • Female: Overall browner and more heavily streaked than the male, lacking the grey head.
  • Tail finely barred throughout.
  • In flight: Long, pointed wings and a characteristic ability to hover motionless while hunting (a key identification feature).

Data confirmed by BirdLife International and RSPB.

Vasos Vasiliou