Kestrel

The most common view of a Kestrel is of a hovering bird, seen in silhouette from a car. This is an attractive falcon; the female is russet brown with black bands across the wings and upper parts and has a dark tail, whilst the male has an ash-grey head.

Kestrels take readily to nest boxes, which need to be sited at least five metres from the ground with a clear flight-path for entry and exit. Kestrels nest in urban areas, as well as the open countryside. In towns, boxes can be attached to the sides of buildings.