Lesser Kestrel

Falco naumanni

Rare vagrants from Southern Europe with 20 records for Britain & 1 for Ireland between May-June.

Breeds in Spain, France, Portugal & other parts of Europe.

Winters south to South Africa.

Males have grey head and tail like male Common Kestrels, but lacks the dark spotting on the back, the black malar stripe, and has grey patches in the wings.

Females & Juveniles are slightly paler than their relative, but are so similar that call and structure are better guides than plumage.

The call is a diagnostic harsh chay-chay-chay, unlike the Common Kestrel's kee-kee-kee.