Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus

The Kestrel is a familiar sight hovering beside roads, watching for rodents startled by passing traffic. As well as being able to hover, they can see in the ultraviolet which enables them to spot the urine trails of mice and voles in fields. Once spotted, they swoop to catch their prey. Males are smaller than females and have a blue-grey head and tail, while females have brown heads and more spotting on the breast. They are one of the smaller falcons at 32-39 cm in length. This species can be found across Europe, Asia and Africa with sveral other species of kestrel in other parts of the world such as the Nankeen Kestrel.
 

1-2: Farlington Marshes LNR, Hampshire, 18/03/2013..