How many species of Falcon? The part five

 Falcon (5/5)

The Spotted Kestrel

The Spotted Kestrel is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. It has a bright yellow head and white spots on its wings, which makes it stand out among other species of kestrels. The Spotted Kestrel is native to Africa, where it can be found in grasslands and wooded areas near rivers or lakes. This species prefers open habitats with plenty of trees for perching and hunting for food such as small mammals, insects, lizards, snakes, and frogs. 

Spotted Kestrels are monogamous birds that form long-term pair bonds during the breeding season from September to March each year. During this time they build nests high up in tall trees or telephone poles where they lay two to four eggs which hatch after about three weeks incubation period by both parents taking turns sitting on them until hatching day arrives! 

They also provide food for their young by catching prey using their sharp talons while hovering over an area looking down at potential targets below before swooping down quickly so as not to miss any opportunity! 

The spotted kestrel is a very important part of African ecosystems because it helps keep rodent populations under control thus preventing crop damage caused by these pests otherwise known as “pests”. Unfortunately however due habitat destruction is caused mainly by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, etc... 

This bird's population numbers have been declining drastically over recent years making them vulnerable species today! To help protect this majestic creature we must ensure that its natural environment remains intact so future generations can continue to enjoy spotting these beautiful creatures soaring across skies above us all.

The Nankeen Kestrel

The Nankeen Kestrel is a little raptor (bird of prey) and a thin falcon. With a few black streaks, the top sections are mostly rufous. The tips of the wings are black. The under tail is delicately barred with black, with a wider black band toward the tip, while the underparts are pale buff with black streaking. The markings and rufous on the head and tail are often more pronounced in females. 

Males have a gray tail and crown, however, the degree varies from individual to individual. Men are often smaller than women. With stronger markings, young Nankeen Kestrels resemble adult females quite closely.

Lightly forested areas and open agricultural areas tend to be preferred environments, whereas deep woods are typically not found there. The success of the Nankeen Kestrel as a bird of prey may be attributed in large part to its tolerance for a wide range of environments, ability to eat a variety of foods, and capacity to nest in a number of locations. 

The majority of Australia is home to Nankeen Kestrels, who may also be found on islands off its coast, in New Guinea, and in Indonesia.

Some Nankeen Kestrels migrate in part, others spread out based on the availability of food, while some are primarily sedentary. The diet of the Nankeen Kestrels is diverse. tiny animals, reptiles, tiny birds, and a variety of insects make up its major diet.  

Prey is located from a perch or by hovering just above the ground on quick wingbeats while maintaining the body and head steady and utilizing its fan-shaped tail as a rudder. The bird moves closer to the ground after it spots its prey until it is close enough to pounce. Some insects and birds can be plucked off of tree branches or trapped in midair.

The Nankeen Kestrel builds its nests in many different places, such as tree hollows, caves, ledges outside of buildings, and sporadically even on the ground. The nest might be anything from a small scratch in the ground to a nest made of wood or mud that another species of bird has abandoned. 

Nankeen  Kestrels pairs's frequently use the same nesting location or breeding area over the course of several breeding seasons. In most cases, a single brood of young is reared each year. The male provides the nourishment, while the female handles the majority of the incubation.

The Mauritius Kestrel

The Mauritius Kestrel is a species of bird found exclusively on the island nation of Mauritius. It is the only surviving member of its genus, Falco punctatus, and was once thought to be extinct due to human activity on the island. This raptor has adapted well to its environment and can now be seen in many parts of the country. 

The Mauritius Kestrel has an impressive wingspan that ranges from 35-45 inches long; it feeds primarily on insects, small reptiles, and birds as well as some fruit when available. 

The population numbers for this species have been steadily increasing over recent years due mainly to conservation efforts by local organizations such as Nature Protection Trust (NPT) which works with landowners across the country who are willing to provide suitable habitats for these birds in exchange for help with pest control or other services related their land management plans. 

In addition, NPT also runs educational programs designed specifically around preserving this species so that future generations may continue to enjoy them. 

Overall, the Mauritius Kestrel is a remarkable creature whose survival against all odds serves as an inspiration not just locally but globally too. With continued support from both government bodies and private citizens alike, we can ensure that these beautiful creatures will remain part of our environment far into the future!

The American kestrel

The American kestrel is a small falcon native to North America. It is the smallest and most common falcon in the region, and it can be found throughout much of Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. 

The American kestrel has a distinctive plumage with its rusty-red back contrasted against its white underside. Its wings are barred with black stripes that give it an almost checkered appearance when seen from afar. 

American Kestrels prefer open habitats such as fields or grasslands where they hunt for small rodents like mice or voles by hovering over them before diving in for the kill. They also feed on insects like beetles, dragonflies, and grasshoppers which they find while hunting from perches located high up on poles or trees near their nesting sites. 

These birds typically nest in cavities either naturally occurring ones such as abandoned woodpecker holes or man-made boxes installed specifically for them by conservationists who hope to increase their population numbers across North America.  

In recent years there have been some concerns about declining populations due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as urbanization, agricultural development, and pollution. Conservation efforts have been put into place including installing artificial nesting boxes along migration routes so these birds can rest safely during long journeys between breeding grounds. 

Additionally, research projects are being conducted to better understand how changes in land use may affect this species’ future survival chances so that further steps can be taken if necessary  Protecting this beautiful bird will ensure generations of people get the chance to experience its unique beauty first hand!

The Crested Caracara

The Crested Caracara is a large bird of prey found in North, Central, and South America. It is an impressive species with distinctive features including its long legs, crest of feathers on its head, and striking yellow eyes. The Crested Caracara has a wide wingspan measuring up to four feet which allows it to soar over vast distances in search of food. 

Crested caracaras feed mainly on small animals such as rodents, reptiles, and amphibians but will also scavenge for carrion if necessary. They are opportunistic hunters that use their keen vision to spot potential prey from the air before swooping down quickly using their powerful talons. 

In addition, they have been known to steal food from other birds or mammals by harassing them until they drop whatever they were carrying! 

Due to habitat destruction as well as hunting pressure the population numbers of this species are declining rapidly across much of its range making it vulnerable according to conservationists worldwide who urge governments to take action to protect these magnificent creatures before it’s too late!

The Oriental hobby

The Oriental hobby is a tiny bird of prey that ranges in size from 170 to 250 grams and is 25 to 30 cm in length. 60 to 70 cm is the wingspan. The hood and neck of these hobby species are both black. Their underparts are rufous, while their back is bluish-grey. The wings extend up to the tip of the short tail. They have golden legs. A repetitive "kee-kee" sound serves as their call.

The mangroves, lowland woods, forest clearings, and foothill forests are all home to the Oriental hobby species. feeding routines. The primary food source for Asian hobby species is insects. They have been seen consuming bats and small birds as prey.

The Oriental Hobby builds its nests on other birds' stick nests on cliffs, building ledges, and trees. In India, the breeding season lasts from April to July. India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines are all home to the F. s. Severus subspecies. The Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Island, and New Guinea are the distribution areas for the Papuans subspecies.

The Himalayan hobby migrates, spending the winter in south India and Sri Lanka. It seems that other hobby groups are sedentary. According to estimates, there are 1,000–10,000 individual birds in the Oriental hobby population. These species are thought to be the least vulnerable and have an incredibly wide range. The two biggest dangers to the survival of these falcon species are habitat loss and deforestation.

 African Hobby

The head, cheeks, and wing feathering are all shades of slate gray. Whiteness can be seen on the neck and the back of the head. The color of breeches can occasionally turn coppery red. The underside of the wings, which are on the other hand delicately striped with jet, is reddish brown with a faint black speckling. 

The tail feathers and the primary feathers have shades of gray that range from dull white to dark gray. Bright yellow is seen in the talons, orbital circles, and care of the eyes. The eyes are black, and the beak is glossy and dark gray. The wingspan is between 60 and 73 centimeters, the size is between 26 and 31 cm, and the weight is between 125 and 224 grams (between 125 and 178 grams for the male and 186 and 224 kilos for the female).

If their partner doesn't pass away, African Hobbes are monogamous. If a spouse passes away, Falco Cuvier will look for a new mate. African Hobby likes to build its nests among the branches of trees or bushes. The bird produces eggs, which range in color and quantity from two to four.

African Hobby prefers meadows and woods as their habitats. Wetland and bushveld regions are home to the African Hobby as well. African Hobby does not appear in flocks. The bird prefers to behave alone or in groups of two. A breeding visitor from the summer arrives in southern Africa around September and departs in April. The location of its non-breeding sites is unclear, however, they are presumably to the north.

Australian Hobby

Although males and females seem similar, the females are 40–50% bigger. Nearly twice as big, with a more robust body and a recognizable black "helmet," the Peregrine Falcon may be mistaken for a Hobby from a distance. The hobby may be identified by the cream or buff half-collar. The upper parts are different shades of slate-grey. 

The underparts are delicately dark-streaked and range in color from buff to rufous. The tail and underwings have similarly fine bars. The eye ring is clearly visible and ranges in color from pale blue to pale yellowish-grey on the cere. Legs and feet are a drab yellow color. Juveniles have rufous feather edges, lighter legs, and feet, and are darker and browner than adults. Eggs are cream in color.

They consume flying insects, bats, and small birds. They swoop down on their prey and are frequently spotted perched at the tops of tall trees because of their speed. Additionally, you may hunt while flying low and quickly. When there is artificial light, hunting may be done at any time of day, including dawn, dusk, and even at night.

Breeding occurs from August to January, with the highest egg production occurring in September and October. Birds living in the north typically breed sooner than those in the south. big stick nests of other species (often Corvus) and use or occupy them. The clutch ranges from 2-4, with 2.75 fledglings on average per nest.

Wherever there are trees in South Australia, you can find Australian Hobbies. Along the seaside and in populated locations like the parklands in Adelaide, they are also common. They enjoy Norfolk Island pines and are frequently spotted near the top of the tree. Most birds are residents, but some migrate north throughout the winter.

The Eurasian hobby

Adult birds have slate-grey upper bodies that are capped with a dark crown and two tiny, mustache-like black stripes or markings. Its thighs and the hidden portions of its tail undersides are reddish-brown with no streaks, and its neck is white with no streaks. 

The underbelly of the bird has pale edges with black streaks. The bird's first-summer coloring is distinctive. Its wingspan is between 74 and 84 centimeters, while its body length falls between 29 and 36 cm. Their mass ranges from 175 to 285 grams. They weigh a remarkably little amount.

Africa, Europe, and Asia are just a few of the continents where this species may be found. It is a migratory bird with a reputation for long journeys. It spends most of the winter in Africa and Asia. The bird may be found in agriculture, savannahs, taigas, and open plains like marshes or swamps. They may also reside in lowlands and tiny woods.

It flies in circles while it feeds on huge insects like dragonflies, which it catches with its talons, transfers to its mouth, and then eats. Additionally, it traps and eats tiny bats and flying birds. It has been observed to attack and disrupt swallows as they rest and leave roosts. 

The bird is quite busy from dusk till dawn when it is not nesting. During the mornings and nights, it mostly hawks. When migrating, Eurasian hobbies frequently travel in compact groups. They mostly build their nests in abandoned bird nests, notably those of crows.

The Eurasian hobby typically produces 2 to 4 eggs each brood. The mother bird spends the most of the time incubating the eggs, however both male and female parents take turns doing so. It often lasts for 28 days or so.

The  Merlin

Small yet dangerous falcons from the Northern Hemisphere are called merlins. They have had a reputation as falconry birds for generations and are quick flyers and expert hunters. The back of the male merlin ranges in color from virtually black to silver-grey, depending on the subspecies. 

Its underparts have an orange to buff color and are more or less strongly striped with reddish-brown to black. The female and immature are creamy buff with brown spots below and brownish-grey to dark brown above. The beak has a yellow cere, and both the eye and the eye are black. Yellow feet with black claws are also seen.

There are merlins all around the Northern Hemisphere. The majority of the populace migrate and spend the winter in warmer climates. Birds from Northern Europe migrate to Southern Europe and North Africa, whereas populations from North America migrate to Southern America and Northern South America. 

Merlins live in relatively open areas like birch or willow scrub, shrubland, but they also frequent taiga forests, parks, steppes, prairies, sand dunes, deserts, and moorland. 

At least in Eurasia, migration to winter quarters peaks in August/September. Because they hunt during the day, merlins must be quick and agile to catch their prey. They frequently use trees and huge bushes to startle their prey when hunting by flying quickly and low, usually less than 1 m (3.3 ft) above the ground. 

However, they often catch their food in the air, and they will "tail-chase" frightened birds. Breeding couples often hunt together, with one bird flushing the prey in the direction of its partner.

Merlins are carnivorous predators that like to target tiny birds including sparrows, quail, larks, and pipits. Their food is further complemented by larger birds, other animals, insects (particularly dragonflies and moths), and small mammals like bats, voles, and reptiles.

Merlins create couples for just one season because they are serially monogamous. Typically, the mating season for these birds lasts from May to June, and during this period, birds engage in airborne courting displays. Instead of building their own nests, merlins typically exploit abandoned crow or hawk nests that are found in coniferous or mixed tree stands. 

The female produces 3 to 6 rusty brown eggs, generally 4 or 5. While the male hunts to provide for the family, she carries them to term in 28 to 32 days. After another 30 days or so, the hatchlings fledge and weigh around 13 g (0.46 oz). They might still be reliant on their parents for another four weeks. Male first-year merlins in particular will occasionally act as an adult pair's "nest helper" in nesting situations.