The grey kestrel is an African bird of prey belonging to the falcon family Falconidae. Its closest relatives are the banded kestrel and Dickinson's kestrel and the three are sometimes placed in the subgenus Dissodectes.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across West, Central, and parts of East and Southern Africa in open woodland, savanna, and agricultural mosaics. It favors edges of gallery forest, palm savannas, and lightly wooded grasslands, often near watercourses. Common around villages and along roads where perches are available. Avoids dense rainforest and true desert but uses scattered trees and open habitats extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey kestrel is a small African falcon often seen perched on telegraph poles or exposed snags over savanna. It is closely related to the banded kestrel and Dickinson's kestrel, and these three are sometimes grouped in the subgenus Dissodectes. Unlike many kestrels, it is frequently crepuscular, hunting actively at dawn and dusk. It often exploits grassfires and termite emergences to catch fleeing prey.
Temperament
often calm when perched but territorial near nests
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with glides; occasional hovering; agile perch-and-sally flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes small loose groups where prey is abundant. Pairs are monogamous and defend a nesting area. Nests are typically in tree cavities or old stick nests of other birds; the clutch is small, and the male often provisions the incubating female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local movements
Song Description
Voice includes sharp, high-pitched ki-ki-ki or kek-kek notes, especially around the nest. Calls are generally brief and given during interactions or alarm, otherwise the species is fairly quiet.
Plumage
Uniform slate-grey plumage with slightly darker flight feathers and a pale, narrow terminal band on the tail. Underparts are also grey and largely unmarked, giving a clean, even-toned look. The cere and legs are brightly colored, contrasting with the dark bill tip.
Diet
Takes large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and flying termites, along with small reptiles like lizards and skinks. Also captures small mammals, frogs, and occasionally small birds. Hunts from conspicuous perches, swooping to the ground or snatching prey in short aerial sallies. Will forage around grassfires and termite emergences to exploit concentrated prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open savanna, edges of woodland, and farmland with scattered trees and utility lines for perches. Frequently hunts along roadsides and near villages where prey is abundant and visibility is good.
