Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus 32-35cm

Sivappuvallooru in Tamil (சிவப்புவல்லூறு)

Widespread winter visitor. Long, rather broad tail; wing tips more rounded than on most falcons. Frequently hovers. Male has greyish head with diffuse dark moustachial stripe, rufous upperparts heavily marked with black, and grey tail with black subterminal band. Female and juvenile have rufous crown and nape streaked with black, diffuse and narrow dark moustachial stripe, rufous upperparts heavily barred and spotted with black, and dark barring on rufous tail; underwing more heavily barred than male's. Open country.