Birds diurnal

Nankeen Kestrel

Falco cenchroides

Meet Australia’s master of the stationary flight. The Nankeen Kestrel is a stunning, rufous-colored falcon famous for hovering effortlessly in the breeze while patrolling backyard skies.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 28–35 cm (11–14 in); Wingspan: 60–80 cm (24–31 in); Weight: 120–250 g (4.2–8.8 oz)

palette

Colors

Upperparts are predominantly rufous (reddish-brown) with black streaks; underparts are pale cream with fine dark spots; males have a grey-blue crown and tail, while females are more uniform rufous with barred tails.

visibility

Key Features

Distinctive 'wind-hovering' flight pattern over open ground
Pale rufous plumage with black wingtips
Small, slender falcon silhouette with pointed wings
Dark 'tear' mark below the eye

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, particularly on breezy days that facilitate hovering.

calendar_month

Season Year-round; sightings increase during spring (September–November) during the nesting season.

restaurant

Diet A generalist predator that eats large insects (grasshoppers and crickets), small lizards, mice, and occasionally small birds. They hunt by hovering or pouncing from a perch.

park

Habitat Open grasslands, agricultural fields, roadside verges, and suburban parks or large backyards with open lawn areas.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

The Nankeen Kestrel is one of Australia's most charismatic raptors, best known for its incredible ability to 'hover' or kite in mid-air. By facing into the wind and flapping its wings with precision, it stays perfectly stationary while scanning the ground for movement. Unlike larger falcons that rely on high-speed stoops, the Kestrel is a patient hunter that favors a 'sit and wait' approach from high perches or steady aerial surveillance.

In social terms, they are usually seen alone or in pairs. They are highly adaptable and have become a common sight in suburban environments, often using man-made structures like power poles and building ledges as high-vantage hunting platforms. While they are territorial during the breeding season, they are generally tolerant of human presence, making them an excellent subject for backyard observation.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture high-quality images of a Nankeen Kestrel, you need to think vertically. These birds are rarely on the ground unless they are in the middle of a strike. Position your AI camera to face known 'vantage points'—topmost branches of dead trees, fence posts, or even the peak of a shed roof. If you are mounting a camera on a pole, aim for a height of at least 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with an upward angle to capture their underside markings or a level angle if you have a high mounting point.

Because Kestrels are attracted to movement, you can indirectly lure them by creating a 'biodiversity corner' in your yard. A patch of long grass or a pile of rocks will attract the lizards and large insects they prey upon. While we don't recommend baiting raptors with meat (as it can attract pest species or cause dependency), providing a consistent, clean water source like a high-profile birdbath can sometimes entice them down for a drink or a splash on hot days.

For camera settings, speed is your best friend. Even when hovering, their wings move rapidly. Use the fastest shutter speed your camera allows to avoid motion blur. If your camera has a 'burst' or 'multi-shot' mode, enable it; this increases the chances of catching the perfect frame where the bird is looking directly at the lens. Since they are active during the brightest parts of the day, ensure your camera isn't facing directly into the sun to avoid silhouetting these beautifully colored birds.

During the spring, keep an eye on your eaves or tall nesting boxes. Nankeen Kestrels don't build their own nests but will readily take over old crow nests or use hollows and ledges. If you spot a pair frequenting your property in late winter, set up your camera near potential nesting sites early to catch the spectacular courtship displays and the eventual fledging of chicks.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Nankeen Kestrel.

Brown Falcon

Larger and darker brown with a heavier build; it rarely hovers as steadily as a kestrel.

Australian Hobby

Darker, slate-grey upperparts and a much faster, more direct flight path; it specializes in catching birds mid-air rather than hovering.

Black-shouldered Kite

Also hovers, but is mostly white and light grey with prominent black patches on the wings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nankeen Kestrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. You are most likely to see them hunting from mid-morning to late afternoon, especially when there is a light breeze to help them hover.

The best way to attract Nankeen Kestrels is to provide high perching spots like T-posts or tall trees and maintain a garden that supports their prey, such as lizards and large insects. Avoid using rodenticides, as these can poison kestrels that eat mice.

Their diet is highly varied, consisting of mice, small lizards, and large invertebrates like grasshoppers, beetles, and moths. Occasionally, they may take small birds or dragonflies.

Yes, they are very common in suburbs across Australia. They adapt well to urban life, using parks, playing fields, and even building balconies as substitutes for their natural grassland habitats.

Nankeen Kestrels are significantly smaller and have a much more rufous (reddish) color. The most obvious difference is the behavior: if you see a small raptor hovering perfectly still in the air, it is almost certainly a Nankeen Kestrel.

Record Nankeen Kestrel at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo