juvenile Common Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus - Torenvalk / Mortsel - Belgium / September 2024

Common Kestrels are known for their impressive hovering ability, which they use to spot prey from a distance. Young birds, like this one, still need to master these skills. As they grow older, they will develop sharp flight abilities, becoming adept hunters in their own right. The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small, widespread bird of prey, often seen hovering over fields in search of food.