Red-footed Falcon

Falco vespertinus

Very rare migrant from Eastern Europe with 15-20 per year in Britain & 150 records for Ireland between March-November.

Breeds in Sweden from Eastern Europe from April-September.

Winters in Africa south of the Sahara.

Breeds in Hungary & Romania.

Males are all blue-grey, except for his red undertail and legs; its underwings are uniformly grey.

Females have a grey back and wings, orange head and underparts, and a white face with black eye stripe and moustaches.

Juveniles are brown above and buff below with dark streaks, and a face pattern like the Female.

The flight is similar to a Hobby, but not as quick.