Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Peneireiro-das-torres

A migratory falcon that breeds and migrates colonially, Lesser Kestrels are a fascinating species. They prefer insects to larger prey and, unlike their cousin the Common Kestrel, they do not hover for long, seldom more than five or ten seconds, before gliding on to hover again somewhere else.

The females of the two species are so similar as to be difficult to tell apart in the field on plumage clues alone, but the underwing is less marked in the Lesser Kestrel than in the Common and the moustachial stripe is also less distinct. 

The male is a different matter. The upper wing is unmarked in the adult and there is also a small blue panel on the trailing edge at the base of the upper wing, but this is seldom easily visible; a much more useful diagnostic feature is the near absence of flecking on the underwing, which at times can almost appear totally white. It also has a bluer head, and the absence of a moustachial stripe. 

Birding in Portugal

Quinta do Barranco da Estrada
7665-880 Santa Clara a Velha
Portugal

Email :
Phone : (+351) 283 933 065
Chamada para rede fixa

Whatsapp : (+351) 938 386 326
Chamada para rede movél nacional