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Kestrel

(Falco tinnunculus)
Alternative name: "Common Kestrel"
Size: 32-38 cm; wing span 70-78 cm

NB: Not the Kestrel you want? Try Falco cenchroides.

Sightings

A Kestrel was spotted and identified hunting near a major highway near Qurm, Oman, in December 2009. Seen again on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, in January/February 2010 and in Jebel Akhdar, south-west of Muscat, in February 2010. Also spotted near Sohar in May 2010.

All photos presented below, taken in May 2010, were obtained at Sun Farms, Sohar (Batinah region). Special permission to enter the premises for bird photography is hereby most gratefully acknowledged.

Photos

Lateral view of a Kestrel on a power pole

Here seen with its head turned

This more distant view shows the relative length of wings and tail

Lateral view of a Kestrel in flight

Here a different angle

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.