Meadow Kestrel

Introduction

The Meadow Kestrel, a small but charismatic bird of prey, graces the open meadows and grasslands with its aerial prowess and keen hunting instincts. As a vital component of grassland ecosystems, this species plays a significant role in controlling small mammal populations and contributing to the balance of its habitat.

Characteristics

Meadow Kestrels possess a compact yet agile build, with sharp talons, a hooked beak, and long, pointed wings adapted for swift flight. Their plumage varies in coloration, typically featuring a combination of russet-brown upperparts, a buff-coloured underside, and distinctive black markings on their faces and wings.
Equipped with keen eyesight, Meadow Kestrels excel in spotting potential prey from great distances while soaring high above the grasslands. Their exceptional hearing allows them to detect the faint rustlings of small mammals hidden in the vegetation below.

Life Stages and Growth

Meadow Kestrels reproduce through a mating process, with pairs forming monogamous bonds during the breeding season. Females lay clutches of eggs in nests constructed in tree cavities, cliff ledges, or man-made structures. Incubation typically lasts around 28 days, with both parents sharing in the responsibilities of feeding and caring for the young.
Meadow Kestrel chicks hatch helpless and featherless, relying entirely on their parents for food and protection. As they grow, they develop feathers and gradually gain independence, eventually fledging from the nest and learning to hunt under the guidance of their parents.
Meadow Kestrels undergo seasonal migrations in response to changes in food availability and weather patterns. During the breeding season, they establish nesting territories and engage in courtship displays to attract mates. In winter, they may migrate to warmer regions in search of suitable foraging grounds.

Ecology & Habitat

Meadow Kestrels are commonly found in open grasslands, agricultural fields, and meadows, where they hunt for small mammals such as voles, mice, and insects. Their presence helps regulate prey populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining the health of grassland ecosystems.
Meadow Kestrels primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects, which they capture in flight or by hovering above the ground. They use their sharp talons to grasp prey and their powerful beaks to tear flesh.
Meadow Kestrels exhibit solitary hunting behaviour, often perching on elevated vantage points to scan for prey. They are territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting sites from intruders and engaging in aerial displays to establish dominance.

Karmaic Influences

Patron Guardians

God of Destruction; Guardian of Healing and Time.

God of Pride; Guardian of the Earth and Rock.

Minor Guardians

God of Thought; Guardian of Fire.

God of Cunning; Guardian of the Skies.

Lifespan

5-10 years in the wild

Average Height

30-35 centimetres

Average Weight

150-200 grams

Average Length

25-35 centimetres from beak to tail

Geographic Distribution

• Terraced Streams