Birds of prey, the kestrels are widespread. Some species are easily seen as they hunt for prey from a vantage point in the air.
Kestrels are birds of prey. They are the smallest members of the falcon family, Falconidae. There are ten species, occurring mostly in Africa. The American Kestrel is found in North and South America and the Common Kestrel in the United Kingdom, as well as Continental Europe, Asia, and Africa. Other species are found in Asia and Australia. In general, kestrels are either rufous (reddish brown) or grey. The American Kestrel in particular is a colorful and elegant bird.
Kestrels eat small birds, rodents, and insects. They are often seen in open country hovering as they search for prey on the ground. Some species, like the American kestrel, frequent roadsides and towns where rodents and small birds such as starlings can be plentiful.
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