Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

(F. t. tinnunculus)

Armenian Name:	Սովորական հողմավար բազե

See Plate 11 for Common Kestrel and other similar species See Plate 15 for Common Kestrel and other similar species in flight

Flight Characteristics:	Long rounded tail with dark subterminal band. Male has blue-gray head, dark mustache, and blue-gray base of tail. Female and juvenile are more densely spotted and streaked below with a brownish tail base. Usually flies with shallow wingbeats. Hovers frequently. Soars with tail fanned.
Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	32-35 cm, Wing Span:71-80 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 54.
Description:	Long-tailed falcon with tip of closed wing well short of tail tip. Broad subterminal tail band, dark mustache mark, and black claws. Male has gray head and tail, spotted red-brown back. Female red-brown with dark streaking overall.
Similar Species:	Differs from Lesser Kestrel by darker, more densely spotted underwing, and dark claws; male has spotted back and mustache mark.
Behavior:	Hovers frequently. Often perches on wires, posts, cliffs.
Habitat:	Semidesert, mountain steppe, subalpine areas, river gorges, often near settlements.
Food:	Insects, small mammals, birds.
Nest:	Old magpie or crow nests on ledge of cliff or building.
Eggs:	39 mm, 3-7, off-white, red-brown spots.