The Common Kestrel is a medium-sized bird of prey that’s related to Merlin and Peregrine. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including farmland, moorland and towns and cities, and is familiar to people from its habit of hovering over roadside verges as it hunts for its typical small mammal prey.
Kestrel is on the Scottish Biodiversity List. It is also on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List.
Photo: Louise Greenhorn for rspb-images.com
Illustrations: Mike Langman for rspb-images.com
Action Needed
We need better funding for nature-friendly farming to empower farmers to do more for nature and climate. We also need funding for targeted advice to farmers and crofters about the best ways to help nature on their land while continuing to grow food and make a profit. In the case of Kestrel specifically, we need farmers to provide habitat for small mammals on their farms.
Threats
Historically Kestrels suffered the effects of DDT poisoning in the 1960s, but their populations recovered only to decline sharply again from the 1980s. The causes of this later decline within Scotland seem to be connected to changes in farming practices, leading to habitat loss and lack of prey.
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