Nankeen Kestrel
Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Falcons and Caracaras

Nankeen Kestrel

Falco cenchroides

LCLeast Concern
Family
Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)
Order
Falconiformes

Overview

The nankeen kestrel (Falco cenchroides), also known as the Australian kestrel, is a raptor native to Australia and New Guinea. It is one of the smallest falcons, and unlike many, does not rely on speed to catch its prey. Instead, it simply perches in an exposed position, but it also has a distinctive technique of hovering over crop and grasslands.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.