Common Kestrel

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is also known as the Old World kestrel, Eurasian kestrel and European kestrel and is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa. There are about ten subspecies, some of which are controversial. The subspecies found in Sri Linka and portions of India is (F. t. objurgatus) which is heavily marked, has rufus thighs and the male has a dark gray head.  

Common kestrel in Yala NP, Sri Lanka. 

In general, the common kestrel is mainly light chestnut brown with blackish spots on the upperside and buff with narrow blackish streaks on the underside. Males and females are colored differently. The male has fewer black spots and streaks and has a blue-gray cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females with a black tip and narrow white rim in both sexes. Both sexes have a prominent black malar (cheek - below the eye and between the bill and ear) strip. The cere, feet and a narrow ring around the eye are bright yellow. 

This female has the tell-tale rufus head, narrow blackish streaks on the underside, malar strip, brown tail with black bars, and the ring around the eye is yellow.  

We saw one female common kestrel on a dead tree in Yala National Park at some distance.