Lesser Kestrel
Scientific Name: Falco naumanniMaltese Name: Spanjulett Sekond
Family: Falcons (Falconiformes)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
It is a small bird of prey, 27–33 cm in length with a 63–72 cm wingspan. It looks very much like the Common Kestrel but is smaller. The male has a blue-grey head and tail like male Common Kestrels, but lacks the dark spotting on the back, the black malar stripe, and has blue-grey patches in the wings. The Lesser Kestrel eats insects, but also small birds, reptiles and rodents. It nests colonially on buildings, cliffs, or in tree holes. This species breeds from the Mediterranean across southern central Asia to China and Mongolia. It is rare north of its breeding range, and declining in its European range. The scientific name of this bird commemorates the German naturalist Johann Andreas Naumann.
Status:
Regular migrant, both in Spring and in Autumn. Mostly seen migrating in flocks. It may be seen in large numbers on good migration days, especially in strong southerly winds with overcast weather. It is often seen perched on wires and hunting in valleys in small groups, especially in Spring.
When to See:
March to late May in Spring and late August till early November in Autumn.
Where to See:
Can be seen flying over from anywhere during migration time. Dwejra, Buskett and Ghajn Rihana are good spots to see this bird up-close hunting.
Photographs:
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Male Lesser Kestrel, Ghajn Rihana Valley |
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Male Lesser Kestrel, Buskett |
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Female Lesser Kestrel, Buskett |
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