Nankeen Kestrel

A very common and easily seen raptor, the Nankeen Kestrel is found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, and is an irregular visitor to New Zealand. It occupies any type of land that is not too densely vegetated, but in particular temperate grasslands and open woodlands. In the tropical north and the sandy deserts of the west, it has a patchy and seasonal distribution.

The Nankeen Kestrel is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) is the smallest Australian falcon, and unlike many birds of its family, does not rely on speed to catch its prey. A very common and easily-seen raptor, the Nankeen Kestrel is found in throughout Australia, also in New Guinea and nearby islands, and is an irregular visitor to New Zealand. It occupies any type of land that is not too densely vegetated, but in particular temperate grasslands and open woodlands. More

Nankeen Kestrel in flight, carrying prey. Nankeen Kestrel in flight, carrying prey. Photo: B and B Wells © Australian Museum Distribution map of Falco cenchroides Distribution map of Falco cenchroides Map © Birds Australia Birdata Did you know? Extensive surveys placed the Nankeen Kestrel in the top ten most commonly seen birds; it was recorded in 95% of the survey sites located across the whole of Australia. More

The Australian Kestrel or Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) is one of the smallest falcons, and unlike many, does not rely on speed to catch its prey. This bird is apparently a very close relative of the Common Kestrel, and probably also the Spotted Kestrel. It seems to have evolved of ancestral Common Kestrels dispersing to the Australian region in the Middle Pleistocene-less than 1 million years ago-and adapting to local conditions. More

A very common and easily seen raptor, the Nankeen Kestrel is found in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, and is an irregular visitor to New Zealand. It occupies any type of land that is not too densely vegetated, but in particular temperate grasslands and open woodlands. In the tropical north and the sandy deserts of the west, it has a patchy and seasonal distribution. More

This is "Ajax" a juvenile Nankeen Kestrel raised in care from a chick. This photo was taken on the day of his release. other names Sparrowhawk, Windhover or Australian Kestrel The Nankeen Kestrel is part of the falcon family, but lacks the high speed of other falcons. Widespread in mainland Australia, however in Tasmania it is uncommon and is a non-breeding 'visitor'. More

The Nankeen Kestrel will scan the countryside for prey from a perch, or will hover over an area until it sights its dinner. When hovering, these falcons seem to barely flap their wings. When prey is sighted, they'll slowly drop down, then hover again until within striking distance. They are a beautiful bird with striking brown patterns; but when viewed from beneath when hovering, the Nankeen Kestrel appears to be white. More

Nankeen Kestrels are widely spread and a common sight in inland New South Wales. They were seen occasionally at our former place, 20 km south of Narrabri, New South Wales, from 2003 to 2006. One even had its roost under the roof of a shed for a while. Seen also near Sawn Rocks, Mount Kaputar National Park and in other parts of the slopes towards the Nandewar Range, including Eulah Creek, where there is a permanent population of Nankeen Kestrels. More

Nankeen Kestrel (also known as Australian Kestrel) in flight - Painting - Nature Art by Martin Scuffins = Home of Martin ScuffinsBiography of Martin ScuffinsArtwork by Martin ScuffinsCommissions with Martin ScuffinsCreative Process of Martin ScuffinsStudio of Martin ScuffinsGalleries Displaying Artwork by Martin ScuffinsNews About Martin ScuffinsGuesbook of Martin ScuffinsLinksMailing List for Martin Scuffins nature artSend an eCard Martin ScuffinsMartin James Scuffins BAppSci (Hons), AFC Martin Scuffins Birds of Prey, other wildlife, and life More

Nankeen Kestrels (also known as Australian Kestrels) are found in most areas of Australia and are also found on islands along Australia’s coastline, as well as New Guinea and Indonesia. The Nankeen Kestrel is a slender falcon and is a relatively small raptor (bird of prey). The upper parts are mostly rufous, with some dark streaking. The wings are tipped with black. More

Myrtle Warbler Namaqua Dove Nankeen Kestrel Nankeen Night Heron Nashville Warbler Nazca Booby Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Nene-nui New Caledonian Crow New Holland Honeyeater New Zealand Bellbird New Zealand Dotterel New Zealand Pigeon (Kererû) New Zealand Quail Nicobar Pigeon Nile Valley Sunbird Nilgiri Pipit Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Noisy Friarbird Northern Cardinal Northern Double-collared Sunbird Northern Flicker Northern Gannet Northern Hawk Owl Northern Helmeted Curassow Northern Lapwing Northern Mockingbird Northern Parula Northern Pintail Northern Rough-winged Swallow Northern Royal Flycatcher Northern Saw-whet Owl Northern Shoveler More

Some Nankeen Kestrels are partially migratory, others disperse in response to the availability of food and some are largely resident. Its diet is varied. It mainly feeds on small mammals, reptiles, small birds and a variety of insects. Prey is located from a perch or by hovering a short distance above the ground on rapid wing-beats, using its fan-shaped tail as a rudder and keeping the head and body kept still. More

A small, slim falcon (about 31 to 35 cm long), the Nankeen Kestrel is rufous or brown above and white or off-white below, with a black tail tip. Plumage varies considerably in detail, and some birds can look very scruffy, but the slim build, small size and distinctive straight-winged hovering habit make identification easy. More