How to identify the Red-footed Falcon

To correctly identify the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

28-34 cm (11-13 in)

Wingspan

65-76 cm (26-30 in)

Weight

130-197 g (4.6-6.9 oz) for males, 136-200 g (4.8-7.1 oz) for females

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult males are uniformly dark slate-grey with chestnut-red undertail coverts and 'trousers' (thighs). Adult females have a rufous-orange head and underparts, grey upperparts with dark barring, and a distinctive dark 'mask' around the eye. Juveniles are brown above with pale streaking, buffy underparts with dark streaking, and a dark eye-stripe.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, hooked beak, typically greyish-blue with a yellow cere.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, surrounded by a reddish-orange eye-ring in adults.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Bright reddish-orange in adults, duller orange-yellow in juveniles.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Adult males are unmistakable with their uniform dark grey plumage and red legs/cere. Adult females are distinguished by their rufous head and underparts, grey back, and dark eye-mask. The reddish-orange legs and cere are key identifiers for all adults.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller than adults. They have brown upperparts with pale feather fringes, buffy underparts with heavy dark streaking, and a prominent dark eye-stripe. Their cere and legs are duller orange-yellow.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes in adults, beyond wear and tear. Juveniles gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males are dark slate-grey with chestnut undertail coverts and thighs. Females have a rufous head and underparts, grey barred upperparts, and a dark eye-mask.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Small, slender falcon with relatively long wings and tail. Appears elegant in flight.
• Adult Male Plumage. Unmistakable: uniform dark slate-grey body, wings, and head, with contrasting chestnut-red undertail coverts and 'trousers' (thighs). Red legs and cere.
• Adult Female Plumage. Rufous-orange head and underparts, grey upperparts with dark barring, and a distinct dark 'mask' around the eye. Red legs and cere.
• Juvenile Plumage. Brown upperparts with pale streaking, buffy underparts with dark streaking, and a dark eye-stripe. Dull orange-yellow legs and cere.
• Legs and Cere Color. Bright reddish-orange in adults, duller orange-yellow in juveniles. This is a key field mark.
• Flight Style. Buoyant and agile, often hovering like a Kestrel, but also capable of swift, direct flight and soaring. Often hunts in groups.
• Habitat. Look for them in open grasslands, steppes, and agricultural areas with scattered trees.

Explore the Red-footed Falcon