Rock Kestrel
Falco rupicolus

A: Kransvalk
G: Turmfalke
N: ǁhoa ǀaub
Sp: Sepekwa sa leswika
Ss: Phakwe ya lefika
Tw: Phakwe ya lefika
X: uthebethebana
Z: umathebethebana wamadwala

BIRD FAMILY
Falcons and Kestrels

SIZE
30-33 cm (M)

HABITAT
Occurs singly or in pairs (not flocks ) in hilly country and grassland . Perches on roadside posts or flies 5–20 m above ground, frequently turning into wind and hovering. Cf. Black-winged (Black-shouldered) Kite, the only other small raptor that regularly hovers. Roosts on cliffs or in trees.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Common resident. Female may or may not have grey head; sometimes like immature with head the same colour as rest of plumage, but heavily streaked dark brown. Differs from Lesser Kestrel mainly in lack of contrast between upper- and underparts, more robust shape, and behaviour.