Greater Kestrel

Falco rupicoloides Smith, A, 1829

Greater Kestrel, Falco rupicoloides, is a bird of prey in the falcon family that breeds in eastern and southern Africa. It lives in open, arid country, including grassland, savanna and semi-desert, and is often linked with acacias. The bird is found from sea level to 2150 metres, especially between 800 and 1800 metres. It is one of the larger kestrels. Adults have pale rufous plumage, black barring on the back, upperwing and flanks, a grey tail with black bars and a white tip, and a whitish iris that sets it apart from similar species.

Order

Falconiformes

Family

Falconidae — Caracaras, Falcons

Breeding range

Africa: e, s