Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Falcons and Caracaras

Lesser Kestrel

Falco naumanni

The lesser kestrel is a small falcon. This species breeds from the Mediterranean across Afghanistan and Central Asia, to China and Mongolia. It is a summer migrant, wintering in Africa and Pakistan and sometimes even to India and Iraq. It is rare north of its breeding range, and declining in its European range. The genus name derives from Late Latin falx, falcis, a sickle, referencing the claws of the bird, and the species name commemorates the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Naumann.

Where are you looking?

Select a tracking region above to ping the eBird database and reveal live hotspots for the Lesser Kestrel.

Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Lesser Kestrel requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

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