Hunting Kestrel Hovers Over Windy Cliff


The name Kestrel comes from the French crécerelle, a derivative from crécelle, meaning ratchet. Their particular hunting behaviour is to hover above the countryside, usually at a height of around 30–70 ft and swoop down on prey, usually consisting of small mammals, lizards or large insects.

Just look at that head stabilization! A male kestrel keeps its head perfectly still while hunting at South Stack Island, Anglesey, Wales.

Kestrel Flying
Photo by Vincent van Zalinge

Kestrel on the ground
Photo by Hans Veth

Kestrel mid-flight
Photo by Vincent van Zalinge

Hunting Kestrel Hovers Over Windy Cliff


The name Kestrel comes from the French crécerelle, a derivative from crécelle, meaning ratchet. Their particular hunting behaviour is to hover above the countryside, usually at a height of around 30–70 ft and swoop down on prey, usually consisting of small mammals, lizards or large insects.

Just look at that head stabilization! A male kestrel keeps its head perfectly still while hunting at South Stack Island, Anglesey, Wales.

Kestrel Flying
Photo by Vincent van Zalinge

Kestrel on the ground
Photo by Hans Veth

Kestrel mid-flight
Photo by Vincent van Zalinge


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