What Do Kestrels Eat? (All You Need To Know)

Kestrel (Kestrel), also known as the Common, European and Eurasian Kestrel, is one of the most beautiful birds in Britain and all of Europe. It was such a privilege to watch the kestrels circle so gracefully above the ground in search of food. But you might be wondering what food the kestrels are wandering around for. Well, let’s see what’s on the menu at Kestrel, shall we?

Kestrels mainly eat small mammals such as voles and mice. However, they also eat insects and worms.

Kestrels are amazing birds. No matter where you live, you can see kestrels hunting. They have adapted well to the man-made world around them, and as we’ll see below, they can hunt in almost any environment.

If you live in the country, you can often see kestrels circling fields and meadow fringes in search of small mammals. However, they also adjusted hunting techniques for cities. In cities, most kestrels feed on insects, but they can also prey on bats and small birds.

Kestrel and mouse prey

What do kestrels eat in winter?

Kestrels do not change their diet much throughout the year. If there aren’t many mammals around, they might like some insects or worms. They may also prey on small non-migratory birds such as blue tits.

Do Kestrels Eat Garden Birds?

Kestrels have been known to occasionally eat garden birds. They are adaptable predators, so they can hunt whatever small prey the environment offers. Of course, prey do need to be much smaller than they are, but small birds are on the kestrel’s menu.

Kestrel circling in the sky looking for prey

What Birds Do Kestrels Eat?

Kestrels can hunt birds the size of pigeons. Of course, kestrels want to find the easiest thing to catch and kill in their area. Therefore, the chances of seeing a kestrel catching a dove are rare. If they were going to hunt birds, it would likely be smaller species like chickadees and finches.

How do kestrels find food and hunt?

The kestrel hovers about 20-30 feet above the ground. They can surprisingly keep their heads still while hovering and scan the ground for any movement. They can then pinpoint any small mammals and sneak up on their prey. They will grab their prey with their claws, bite down, and the prey will fly to the countryside in the sky.

Kestrels hunt unsuspecting mice

What do little kestrels eat?

Lesser kestrels will eat almost anything their parents provide. Male kestrels hunt heavily during the breeding season, often storing food in holes in tree trunks and bringing it all back to their nests for their juveniles.

Can I feed wild kestrels?

It is not necessary to feed wild kestrels. Kestrels are one of the best hunters in the UK and can do quite well on their own. If you want to attract kestrels, it’s best to let your grass grow longer to attract mice, voles, and insects, or find a bird sanctuary in your area that already does this.

Kestrel in flight

What do kestrels drink?

Kestrels don’t really need to drink water; they don’t sweat, so they don’t waste much water. The grizzly answer is that they get most of the fluid they need from their prey. They may occasionally drink water, but this is rare.

What do kestrels eat?

Kestrels are occasionally caught by larger birds of prey, but this is very rare. Any bird of prey larger than a kestrel is looking for a light meal. Kestrels are excellent fliers and will fight any bird that tries it.

European kestrel eating insects

Kestrel Diet FAQs

How do you attract a kestrel?

The best way to attract kestrels in your area is to have a piece of land that is unspoiled and overgrown. This attracts mice, voles and insects, then kestrels. Kestrels hunt with their eyes, so keeping dead prey around won’t help much.

Do kestrels eat pigeons?

Kestrels have been known to hunt, trap and kill pigeons. They are larger in the range these birds can hunt, but they can do it.

Do kestrels eat cats?

There’s no evidence that kestrels can kill cats; they simply aren’t big enough. Birds of prey will choose the easiest option they can find while hunting. Cats are almost never the easiest choice.

Kestrel with prey waiting for female to return

Do kestrels eat squirrels?

There isn’t much evidence that kestrels do eat squirrels, but they can certainly hunt squirrels if desired. Squirrels are the right size for kestrels. Of course, the squirrel has to stay on the ground long enough for the kestrel to spot it and dive in, but it can happen.

Do kestrels eat robins?

Kestrels do eat small birds, so there’s a good chance they’ll eat a robin if they think it’s an easy catch.

Do kestrels eat sparrows?

Kestrels have been known to eat sparrows, yes. It all depends on what prey is in the area and what the kestrel likes to eat for lunch.

Kestrel in flight, spread its wings

Do kestrels eat mice?

Not much evidence for rats and kestrels. We know kestrels feed primarily on small rodents, so it’s possible they preyed on a mouse or two. Maybe urban kestrels prey on rats, but unfortunately we can’t say for sure.

Do kestrels eat swallows?

The kestrel’s main diet is small mammals. They do sometimes prey on small birds, so they may prey on swallows. However, swallows are not the easiest thing to catch, so if there is other prey in the area, they will take its place.

Do kestrels eat bats?

Yes, kestrels are known to prey on bats, and they do so efficiently.

Kestrel perched on a pole

Do kestrels eat starlings?

Kestrels can catch small birds, so if there’s a starling they like, they’re likely to try to catch it.

Do kestrels eat rabbits?

No, the rabbit is a bit too big for the kestrel. It takes a lot of work for a kestrel to fit one in its lunch box.

Do kestrels eat fish?

Saw kestrels fishing a few times, yes. It’s not common, but kestrels do have the ability to prey on fish. If you see it, you are a very lucky person!

Do kestrels eat carrion?

There is some evidence that kestrels do eat carrion, but they are usually placed in areas where kestrels have been seen hunting. That’s not to say the kestrel won’t eat the rovers, but if you do see this, it’s likely that the kestrel is unable to hunt due to damaged wings or something like that.