Fauna
Bird

Lesser Kestrel

Falco naumanni

Also known as Naumann's Falcon

Lesser kestrels build loose nesting colonies in crevices of ancient masonry, tiled roofs, and rocky cliffs across warm, open steppes and farmlands. These social falcons forage in groups, hovering delicately before dropping onto grasshoppers, beetles, and small lizards. Seasonal migrations carry large flocks south across the Mediterranean into African savannas each autumn.

MigratoryRaptorColonial
Lesser Kestrel reference1 / 7
(c) Lip Kee, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Beetles, Small Lizards
Predators
  • Eagles
  • Owls
  • Falcons
ThreatsAgricultural intensification, pesticide use, loss of nesting sites
HabitatsSteppe, pastures, open agricultural land, dry grasslands, scrubland
Life span6–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyFalconidae
  2. SpeciesFalco naumanni
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a respectful distance without disturbing nesting colonies.
What to notice
Look for small falcons with unspotted reddish brown backs and pale whitish claws nesting colonially in old buildings or cliffs.
Support conservation
Maintain a respectful distance from nesting colonies to avoid provoking nest abandonment or distress.
Responsible observation
  • Observe Colonies: Look for nesting groups around old masonry structures and cliffs during late spring.
  • Watch Foraging: Spot them hovering over unpaved fields and pastures to pinpoint hunting activity.
Related species
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