Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco
Species: tinuncullus
Sub-species: canariensis
Description
The smallest bird of prey on the archipelago, the Kestrel is able to hover for long periods. The species shows marked sexual dimorphism, with the female having brown upper parts with dark streaks on the head and tail while the male has a greyish head and tail. Both sexes have a brown, speckled chest, pointed wings with dark tips and a dark streak under the eyes.
Distribution
The Kestrel has a wide distribution, being found close to the sea and right up to the mountain summits. In recent years it has only been found on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, although in the past Kestrels nested on the Desertas and Selvagens islands.
Habitat
It is found in a wide variety of habitats, such as indigenous and exotic forest areas, areas with creeping vegetation, open cultivated areas, inland and coastal cliffs and even on the outskirts of urban centres.
Breeding
Nests on rock ledges or in holes on rocky precipices; those birds living near the coast sometimes nest in tall palm trees. The nesting season starts in April with a single set of three to seven eggs being laid in May/June and ends in July when the young birds become independent.
Madeiran name: Francelho
Madeira and Porto Santo Islands resident breeder
Social: Family groups
Length: 27 – 33 cm
Status: Secure
