The rock kestrel is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It was previously considered a subspecies of the common kestrel.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from southwestern Angola and much of Namibia through Botswana and Zimbabwe to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Prefers rocky escarpments, cliffs, and boulder-strewn slopes adjacent to open habitats such as semi-desert, karoo shrublands, and grasslands. It also uses agricultural mosaics and towns where suitable perches and nesting ledges are available. Typically avoids dense forest and unbroken woodland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rock kestrel is a small falcon of southern Africa, once treated as a subspecies of the Eurasian/common kestrel but now widely recognized as a distinct species. It specializes in hunting by hovering into the wind over open ground before stooping on prey. It readily nests on cliffs and rocky ledges but also uses buildings, quarries, and pylons. Males and females differ in plumage, with females browner and more heavily barred.
In flight, southern Namibia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, holding territories centered on cliffs or tall structures. Monogamous pairs nest on ledges, crevices, or old stick nests, laying 2–5 eggs. Both adults provision the young; the female broods while the male supplies much of the food early in the nesting period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include a sharp, repeated kik-kik-kik, especially near the nest or when alarmed. Also gives a thinner, high-pitched kee-kee call in flight.
Plumage
Male with rufous-brown upperparts lightly spotted, pale buff underparts with fine dark streaking, and a grey head and tail with a bold black subterminal band; female browner overall with heavier barring and less contrast. Both sexes show narrow, dark moustachial marks and pale throats.
Diet
Takes large insects (grasshoppers, beetles), small mammals such as mice, small lizards, and occasionally small birds. Hunts by hovering into the wind or by perch-hunting from poles and rocks. Prey is seized on the ground after a short stoop or glide. Diet composition shifts seasonally with insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Forages over open ground—semi-desert, grasslands, karoo scrub, and agricultural fields—often adjacent to rocky slopes. Uses wind-exposed ridges and open valleys that facilitate hovering and good visibility.
