Kestrel

The kestrel, a member of the falcon family (Falco), is a remarkable bird renowned for its distinctive hunting technique. These birds frequently hover above open fields before swiftly diving to capture prey, such as small mammals, lizards, and insects. Their predominantly brown plumage contributes to their high adaptability, allowing them to nest in buildings and hunt along roadsides. Notably, kestrels do not build their own nests; instead, they utilize nests constructed by other birds.

True kestrels constitute a specific group within the falcon family, with various species having evolved over time. The American kestrel, found across the Americas, technically does not belong to the true kestrel group but shares characteristics with hobbies and other larger falcons. The common kestrel group, on the other hand, includes several species distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

One of the most striking features of kestrels is their vision. They possess the ability to see ultraviolet light, which aids them in detecting prey such as voles by identifying the UV reflections from the animals' scent trails. Each group of kestrels has developed unique traits and adaptations, allowing them to thrive in their specific environments and refine their hunting techniques.