looduskalender.ee

 

 

Their Estonian name, tuuletallaja, “windtreader“, “vainworker“. is not derogatory but describes a characteristic – hunting above fields kestrels often use hovering flight, “tread the wind“. Their number has fallen markedly, in the 1970ies-1980ies they were our most common falcon species. Today most often seen in West and North Estonia than elsewhere. Breeders are estimated to be only a few hundred pairs.

 

Kestrels – who prefer cultured landscapes -  are magpie-sized, with a reddish-brown back, a long tail and long wings.
 

Migration has started; basically they move singly. They feed on small rodents, also lizards and insects; since the kestrel sees the light spectrum near UV radiation rodent hunting is quite successful.