Come identificare Common Kestrel

Per identificare correttamente Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

32-39 cm

Apertura alare

65-82 cm

Peso

136-252 g (male), 154-314 g (female)

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Adult males have a rufous-brown back and wing-coverts with black spots, a grey head and rump, and a grey tail with a broad black subterminal band and a narrow white tip. Underparts are buff with black streaks. Adult females and juveniles are generally browner overall, with a rufous-brown head and tail, both barred with black. The tail also has a broad black subterminal band. Underparts are more heavily streaked than males.

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Short, sharply hooked, dark grey to black with a yellow cere.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Bright yellow

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   Long, pointed wings and a relatively long tail. The most distinctive feature is its hovering flight, often with the tail fanned, while scanning the ground for prey.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Similar to adult females, with a rufous-brown head and barred tail. Plumage is generally duller and more heavily streaked than adult males. The cere and eye-ring are often duller yellow than adults.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage wear can make colors appear duller towards the end of the breeding season.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Pronounced. Males have a grey head and tail, and fewer spots on the back. Females have a rufous-brown head and barred rufous-brown tail. Females are also typically larger and heavier than males.

Segni di campo chiave

• Hovering Flight. Look for a raptor holding itself almost stationary in the air, facing into the wind, with rapid wing beats and a fanned tail. This is the most characteristic identification feature.
• Plumage (Adult Male). Note the grey head and tail (with a black subterminal band), rufous-brown back with black spots, and buff underparts with streaking. The dark 'moustache' stripe is also a key feature.
• Plumage (Adult Female/Juvenile). Observe the overall browner appearance, rufous-brown head and tail (both barred), and heavier streaking on the underparts compared to the male.
• Size and Shape. A relatively small, slender falcon with long, pointed wings and a long tail. Compare its size to a pigeon for scale.
• Call. Listen for the distinctive, high-pitched 'kee-kee-kee-kee' call, especially when the bird is agitated or around its nesting site.

Esplora Common Kestrel