The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small falcon found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Known for its hovering flight and ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes, the common kestrel has a wide distribution and large global population. But where exactly do these familiar falcons make their homes?
Preferred Habitats
Common kestrels occupy a variety of habitats across their range, including:
Open Country
Common kestrels prefer open areas such as meadows, grasslands, moorlands, savannas, and steppe. These environments provide ideal hunting grounds, allowing kestrels to spot prey while hovering or perched on an elevated vantage point.
Farmland
Kestrels frequently inhabit agricultural areas such as pastures, fields, orchards, and even vineyards. The mosaic of crop fields, grassy margins, and scattered trees in farmland offers excellent foraging and nesting opportunities.
Woodland Edges
Common kestrels often nest and hunt along the edges of woodlots, forests, and plantations. The transition zone between open areas and woodlands provides a mix of hunting habitat and trees for nesting.
Human Settlements
From rural homesteads to city centers, common kestrels have adapted well to human-altered environments. They nest on buildings and hunt over lawns, parks, lots, and more.
Cliffs and Quarries
Kestrels occasionally nest on cliffs, bluffs, rocky outcrops, and in quarries or mines. Such sites provide secure crevices and ledges for nesting and raise kestrel nests above ground predators.
Range and Distribution
The common kestrel enjoys a wide distribution across much of:
Europe
Kestrels breed across almost all of Europe, from the Mediterranean to well within the Arctic Circle. Northernmost populations migrate south for the winter, while more southern populations are resident year-round.
Asia
This species breeds from the Middle East across temperate southern Asia to Japan. Northern populations are migratory while subtropical residents occur as far south as Malaysia and Indonesia.
Africa
The common kestrel inhabits suitable habitat across North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It is generally not found in dense rainforest but occupies wooded savanna and drier habitats.
Australia
Kestrels were introduced to Australia in the 19th century and are now widespread across much of the country, except for dense forests. Some migrate north in winter.
Ideal Nesting Sites
When breeding, common kestrels choose nest sites that provide security and a good hunting territory, including:
Tree Cavities
Kestrels frequently nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in trees, typically near the canopy and with a relatively narrow entrance. Cavities offer shelter, seclusion, and some protection from predators.
Crevices on Buildings
Common kestrels readily use crevices and cavities on the sides of buildings, under roof overhangs, on window sills, and elsewhere offering a protected site.
Nest Boxes
Where natural sites are limited, kestrels may occupy nest boxes put up specifically for them on buildings, poles, or trees. Boxes should replicate cavities and crevices they naturally use.
Ledges on Cliffs
Less commonly, kestrels nest on narrow rocky ledges on cliffs, bluffs, or quarries. These nests are exposed but afforded some protection by overhangs.
Old Stick Nests
Kestrels occasionally take over abandoned nests originally built by other birds like crows, ravens, or hawks in trees or on ledges. These offer pre-made structure.
Seasonal Variations
Where kestrels live can vary by season, especially in northern parts of the range:
Summer Breeding Range
In summer, kestrels inhabit open country across Europe, temperate Asia, and North America south of the tundra to breed and raise young.
Wintering Range
Northern populations migrate south for winter, reaching North Africa, the Middle East, India, and as far south as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Year-Round Residents
More southern populations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia occupy breeding areas year-round without significant seasonal movements.
Irruptions and Dispersal
In some years, low prey abundance causes irruptions of kestrels south and west of the normal winter range in large numbers. Young birds may also disperse further afield.
Elevation Preferences
Common kestrels inhabit a range of elevations depending on latitude and habitat:
Lowlands
Throughout their range, kestrels primarily inhabit lowlands with open habitats up to 1,600 feet (500m).
Foothills and Mountains
In southern Europe and Asia, kestrels may regularly breed up to 6,500 feet (2,000m) in foothills and lower mountains.
High Mountains
A few isolated breeding populations exist up to 16,400 feet (5,000m) in the European Alps and Himalayan massifs.
Coastal Regions
Kestrels frequent coastal regions, often nesting on sea cliffs. However, they avoid treeless island and alpine tundra lacking preferred habitat.
Population Densities
The breeding density of kestrels varies across the range:
Europe
Average breeding densities in Europe range from 1-10 pairs per 2.5 square miles (6.5 sq km) of habitat, with higher densities locally.
Asia
Breeding densities in temperate Asia are typically lower, from 1-5 pairs per 2.5 square miles (6.5 sq km).
Africa
Densities in Africa are varied but can be relatively high in optimal savanna habitat, reaching up to 15 pairs per 2.5 square miles (6.5 sq km).
Americas
After introduction to the Americas, kestrel densities reach about 1-5 pairs per 2.5 square miles (6.5 sq km).
Habitat Threats and Conservation
Common kestrel numbers face potential threats from habitat loss in some regions:
Threat | Region(s) Affected |
---|---|
Agricultural intensification | Europe |
Deforestation | Asia, Africa |
Urbanization | Asia, Africa |
Afforestation of steppe | Eurasia |
However, kestrels remain widespread and the overall population is still considered stable. Creating nest boxes and preserving mosaic farmland and grassland habitats can help conserve kestrel populations.
Conclusion
Common kestrels inhabit a broad range of open and semi-open habitats across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They thrive in both natural and human-modified landscapes. Kestrels require elevated perches for hunting and cavities or crevices for nesting, found along habitat edges and in rural settings. While facing some localized habitat loss, global kestrel populations remain healthy due to their adaptability. Maintaining nest sites and a mosaic of small fields and grasslands can help provide habitat and support kestrel populations.