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Red-footed Falcon

Scientific Name: Falco vespertinus
Maltese Name: Zumbrell
Family: Falcons (Falconiformes)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No

Overview:
This bird is found in eastern Europe and Asia and it is migratory, wintering in Africa. It is a medium-small, long-winged species. The adult male is all blue-grey, except for his red undertail and legs; its underwings are uniformly grey. The female has a grey back and wings, orange head and underparts, and a white face with black eye stripe and moustaches. This is a diurnal bird of open country with some trees, often near water. Its distinctive method of hunting is shared by the Common Kestrel. It regularly hovers, searching the ground below, then makes a short steep dive towards the target. The Red-footed Falcon's main prey is large insects, but it will also take small mammals and birds. This falcon is a colonial breeder.

Status:
Regular spring migrant, often seen in small flocks, but rare Autumn migrant with only 1-2 records each autumn migration. In some springs, it occurs in influxes while in others it is quite scarce.

When to See:
Mainly seen from mid-April till late May. In Autumn from mid September till late October.

Where to See:
May be seen from anywhere flying over during migration.

Photographs:

Adult Male Red-footed Falcon, Comino


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