BASIC INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL KESTRELSTwo species of International kestrels are covered on the forum: the Common Kestrel and the Lesser Kestrel. These kestrels are similar to American Kestrels in most respects (e.g., habitat, diet, nesting habits). The major differences between these kestrels are in plumage.
COMMON KESTRELSCommon Kestrels - also known as European, Eurasian, or Old World Kestrels - are found across Europe.
* Common Kestrels are mostly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on their backs.
* The male Common Kestrel has an almost solid chestnut-brown back, while the female's back is a darker brown with lots of streaks. Here's a picture of the Common Kestrel nest in Muttenz, Switzerland...the male is on the right, and the female is on the left.
For more information, go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Kestrel.
LESSER KESTRELSLesser Kestrels are found primarily in the Middle East and Asia, although some are found are Europe (e.g., the Lesser Kestrel nest in southern Italy at Alta Murgia).
* The Lesser Kestrel is smaller than the Common Kestrel.
* The male Lesser Kestrel has a grey head and tail like the male Common Kestrel, but lacks the dark spotting on the back and the black malar stripe. Here's an illustration of a male Lesser Kestrel.
For more information, go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_Kestrel.
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