Nankeen Kestrel DSC_3814
The Nankeen Kestrel is one of the smallest falcons in the world. About the size of a pigeon. The only birds of prey capable of hovering.
It’s also one of just two types of raptor in the country to hunt using suspension – not speed.
Instead of beating their wings at hyperspeed like hummingbirds, kestrels face into the wind, and use its power to hold them in place as they scout. They are able to achieve this by developing stiffer feathers to withstand bending than other falcons.
www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/creatura-blog/2019/...
I took this image at Winton Wetlands where the sun caught the wing feathers, making them shine like copper. I am lucky enough to have them around where I live due to the presence of remnant grasslands so regularly get to see them hunt and hover.
Nankeen Kestrel DSC_3814
The Nankeen Kestrel is one of the smallest falcons in the world. About the size of a pigeon. The only birds of prey capable of hovering.
It’s also one of just two types of raptor in the country to hunt using suspension – not speed.
Instead of beating their wings at hyperspeed like hummingbirds, kestrels face into the wind, and use its power to hold them in place as they scout. They are able to achieve this by developing stiffer feathers to withstand bending than other falcons.
www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/creatura-blog/2019/...
I took this image at Winton Wetlands where the sun caught the wing feathers, making them shine like copper. I am lucky enough to have them around where I live due to the presence of remnant grasslands so regularly get to see them hunt and hover.