Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

A familiar sight with its pointed wings and long tail, hovering beside a roadside verge.

Males have a grey head and tail with a prominent black band, a gingery-brown back and a creamy underside which is speckled with black. Females are similar, but with a more uniform brown back and dark bands on the tail.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Discover more about the Kestrel

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Kestrels can be seen all year round in a variety of habitats.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The kestrel one of our best known bird of prey. Kestrels are a little smaller than a pigeon and can be found in all kinds of habitats from open countryside to towns and villages. 

They tend to hunt in open spaces with long grass as this is prime field-vole habitat. The birds rarely venture far into woodland, but will nest and hunt along wood edges.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Kestrels need to eat several voles per day to survive. They have been known to rob Barn Owls of their meals.

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Kestrels can be seen all year round in a variety of habitats.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The kestrel one of our best known bird of prey. Kestrels are a little smaller than a pigeon and can be found in all kinds of habitats from open countryside to towns and villages. 

They tend to hunt in open spaces with long grass as this is prime field-vole habitat. The birds rarely venture far into woodland, but will nest and hunt along wood edges.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Kestrels need to eat several voles per day to survive. They have been known to rob Barn Owls of their meals.

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Kestrels can be seen all year round in a variety of habitats.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The kestrel one of our best known bird of prey. Kestrels are a little smaller than a pigeon and can be found in all kinds of habitats from open countryside to towns and villages. 

They tend to hunt in open spaces with long grass as this is prime field-vole habitat. The birds rarely venture far into woodland, but will nest and hunt along wood edges.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Kestrels need to eat several voles per day to survive. They have been known to rob Barn Owls of their meals.

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Aquila Ecology

Aquila Ecology is a small independent company based in the beautiful surroundings of St Fillans, Perthshire. Aquila Ecology offers customer focused...
Read more >

Wilderness Scotland

Wilderness Scotland is an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. We specialise in offering an inspiring range of guided, self-guide...
Read more >

Kestrel Wildlife Safaris

Why not visit one of Scotlands hidden gems, Breadalbane, in north-east Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, experience its scenery and wi...
Read more >

Stravaigin Sailing

We are a small family-run business located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of the best cruising and adventure arena our country has to offer....
Read more >

Aboot Scotland

Aboot Scotland provides memorable day, half day and multi-day guided mountain trips across Scotland, safe in the hands of a knowledgeable Mountai...
Read more >

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife tour company offering its guests opportunities to see the most charismatic and enigmatic species in Sco...
Read more >

The Isle of Carna

We offer unique ‘Escape’ holidays where you can rent an entire private island to enjoy with family, friends or yourself and help conserve native wi...
Read more >

Loch Shiel Cruises

Over the past 24 years there have been over 50 species of birds observed from the boat, the crew and skipper of MV Sileas keep a keen eye out for a...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification Training

If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking in our Scottish National Parks, or to feel confident that...
Read more >

Wild Ewe Safaris

Our safaris explore the wonderful diversity of nature around the Loch Ewe area in Wester Ross, in the North West Highlands of Scotland. ​ If we're...
Read more >

42Cycling

Reconnect with nature and see stunning scenery, breathe in the fresh Highland air, not to mention experience the best cafés for a well-deserved ref...
Read more >