- Life expectancy
- Global status
- Activity
- Migration
Identification
Long, narrow, sickle-shaped wings and a relatively short tail characterise this fast flier. Adults have rufous trousers, juveniles do not yet. The dark moustachial stripe contrasts with the pale cheek.
Colours
Adult
Dark head, slate-grey upperparts and rufous feathering on the legs. Both sexes show this pattern; females are usually larger.
Behaviour
A pronounced long-distance migrant that spends the European winter in Africa. In Germany it usually only appears in late spring. Its agile flight allows rapid changes of direction when chasing flying prey.
Breeding & rearing
It takes over old crow or raptor nests and does not build its own. Nest sites are often in small woods, rows of trees or on pylons. The late breeding season matches the summer availability of flying prey.
