Kestrel
Kestrel
| Irish Name: | Pocaire gaoithe |
| Scientific name: | Falco tinnunculus |
| Bird Family: | Raptors |
The kestrel is a widespread resident across Ireland.
Identification
A species of falcon, the kestrel is a small bird of prey with long, relatively narrow wings and tail. It has a short, hooked bill for eating meat. Typically, it hovers with a fanned tail while hunting, managing to keep its head stationary despite rapid wing beats. Males and females have different plumages, but both sexes can be identified by their brown back and inner upper wings, which contrast with their dark outer upper wings. It can be confused with a sparrowhawk, but the kestrel has narrower, straighter wings and flies with less gliding.
More details can be found at https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/kestrel/.