Passing migrant mostly in spring (April – May) and less common in autumn. It overwinters in part of south Africa and migrates mainly in eastern Europe and large parts of Asia (western to central) to breed. It’s a gregarious bird that is seen in small to quite large groups (of several dozens) sometimes.

A medium-small (like Lesser Kestrel) dark looking falcon. Males are dark greybluish on body and head, with orange-red “trousers” and legs. Females are dark black-grey back with darker markings, chestnut – rufous under parts (throat and belly) with sparse spotting. It feeds mainly on big insects taken in flight or on the ground.