Lesser Kestrel

A small, colonial falcon of open steppe, farmland and dry grassland across southern Europe, the Middle East, and its African wintering grounds, often seen hovering low over open ground while hunting insects. Breeding colonies nest in loose groups on cliffs, ruins or old buildings, and birds can be watched wheeling and calling around these sites in the early morning. Post-breeding gatherings before migration can bring dozens of birds together over good hunting ground.