Image via Macaulay Library
Greater Kestrel
- Scientific name
- Falco rupicoloides
- Family
- Falconidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Greater Kestrel, or Falco rupicoloides, is a bird of prey native to the open grasslands and arid savannas of Southern and East Africa. It is a member of the falcon family, distinct for its pale eye and general brownish coloration, and is frequently observed perching on roadside power lines or fence posts while scanning the ground for insects and small reptiles.
The species was formally described by the Scottish naturalist Andrew Smith in 1834. Its design is an evolutionary adaptation to arid environments, characterized by its characteristic pointed wings and a slightly notched tail, which provide the flight efficiency required for its open-country habitat. The species is currently recognized as a bird of least concern by conservationists, owing to its stable population across its broad natural range.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Greater Kestrel
Greater Kestrel is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Greater Kestrel on collecto.rs?
Greater Kestrel doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Greater Kestrel?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Greater Kestrel catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Greater Kestrel is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
