Wild Wednesday - Kestrel
The master of the hover - if you've ever spotted a bird seemingly suspended in mid-air above a roadside verge, grassland or open field, chances are you've seen a kestrel. Often known as the "windhover", this remarkable bird of prey is one of the UK's most recognisable raptors, famous for its ability to hover almost motionless while searching for prey below.
The kestrel, scientific name, Falco tinnunculus, is a small falcon with pointed wings, a long tail and keen eyesight. Males can be identified by their grey head and tail, while females are generally browner with dark barring. Both have distinctive dark markings beneath their eyes, giving them a fierce appearance despite their relatively modest size.
A skilled hunter
Kestrels feed mainly on small mammals, particularly field voles, although they will also eat mice, young rats, insects, earthworms, reptiles and small birds when the opportunity arises. Their remarkable hovering ability allows them to scan the ground below before swooping down to capture prey with their sharp talons.
Unlike many birds, a kestrel can keep its head perfectly still while hovering, even in high winds. This helps it focus on movement below and makes it one of nature's most efficient hunters.
Kestrels in West Sussex
Kestrels can be found throughout Sussex and are regularly seen across West Sussex's farmland, grasslands, heathland and coastal areas. The Sussex Wildlife Trust describes the species as still widespread across the county, although numbers have declined in recent decades due to changes in farming practices, loss of suitable nesting sites and reductions in prey-rich habitats.
They are often spotted hovering over field margins, nature reserves and roadside verges, where rough grass provides an ideal habitat for voles and other small mammals. Areas around the South Downs, coastal grasslands and open countryside across Arun can all provide good opportunities to see these impressive birds.
A species facing challenges
Despite being a familiar sight, kestrel numbers have fallen significantly in recent decades, due to factors listed above. The species is now listed as 'amber' on the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern list.
The good news is that simple measures such as maintaining rough grass margins, protecting nesting sites and creating wildlife-friendly habitats can help support kestrel populations and the small mammals they depend on.
Did you know?
A kestrel's eyesight is so sharp that it can spot a small vole moving through grass from high above. Its famous hovering behaviour is so distinctive that "windhover" has been one of its traditional English names for centuries.
So next time you're out enjoying the countryside, look up. That bird hanging effortlessly in the breeze may well be one of West Sussex's most skilled hunters, keeping a watchful eye on the ground below.