European Kestrel
Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus
Kestrels are diurnal hunters (which means that they hunt in the day). They reach sexual maturity at about 1 year of age. After an elaborate courtship involving synchronized flying and food gifts, a pair of kestrels will mate and usually pair bond for life.
The female will lay 4-5 eggs in a clutch and these eggs will hatch after 26-30 days of incubation.
Kestrels can live up to 15 years of age. However, the majority of wild kestrels will not survive past 2 years of age due to road traffic accidents, predation and lack of food.
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At Noah's Ark...
Our Kestrel is called Kevin.
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We live...
He can be seen during our flying displays at 12.30pm.
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Diet
They mostly eat small mammals such as mice and voles. They occasionally eat amphibians and reptiles too.
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Size Fact
The kestrel is a small bird of prey that rarely exceeds 320g in weight.
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Food Fact
They mostly eat small mammals such as mice and voles. They occasionally eat amphibians and reptiles too.
Adopt Me
You can support our conservation efforts and help with the costs of keeping rare and wonderful zoo animals by adopting a Kestrel. Adopt a Kestrel for yourself or as a gift.
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