Kestrel (Falco tinnungulus)

The Kestrel is one of Britian's native birds, and has been for 1000's of years.
The bird has a very distinct look about it, with its speckled feathers containing different shades of brown and grey.

They are most likely seen in countryside locations of the country, and can often be seen using the wind to allow them to hover, whilst searching for prey.
Once located, they swoop toward them quickly, and grab them, often killing them, and either taking them back to a nest, or eat them on site.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2010/7/19/1279561044543/Female-Eurasian-Kestrel-h-006.jpg < image reference at this link.

The bird is classed as a bird of prey, one of the UK's smallest, and it hunts smaller animals such as mice, rats, and other smaller animals, including other avians.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/American_Kestrel_%26_Prey_Feather.jpg < image reference at this link.

Kestrels use old nests that are left behind by other larger birds, such as Crows, and Pigeons.
They can nest against cliffsides, in trees, and similar locations.

http://cdn2.arkive.org/media/8C/8C481945-0758-4502-B1A1-E75A9786434A/Presentation.Large/Kestrel-at-nest-with-chicks.jpg < image reference at this link.

These birds are beautiful, and I would love to illustrate one for my zine.
To do so, I feel that I need to improve my illustration skills when it comes to birds.


http://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/animal-facts/kestrel






Thomas.