Dickinson's Kestrel

Dickinson's Kestrel is found across parts of southeastern and south-central Africa, frequently in association with palm trees scattered through savanna and open woodland, where it perches conspicuously and nests in cavities. It is a relatively short-tailed, compact kestrel compared to some relatives.

Feathers found near palm groves or scattered trees in open African savanna within its range, showing pale grey scaling on the back, suggest this species.

IUCN status: Least Concern, being locally common within suitable habitat.

Recognizing Dickinson's Kestrel feathers

• Flight feathers: Grey, relatively short and compact compared to many kestrels.
• Tail feathers: Grey, notably short relative to body size, with narrow darker banding.
• Body feathers: Head and underparts feathers pale to medium grey; back feathers pale grey finely scaled or vermiculated with darker grey markings, distinct from the plain uniform grey of the Grey Kestrel.
• Shaft color: Grey.
• Compared to similar species: The finely scaled pale back distinguishes it from the plain uniform Grey Kestrel; shorter tail feathers relative to body size compared to most other African kestrels.

Adults have a grey head and underparts with a pale grey back showing fine dark scaling or vermiculation, and a notably short tail for a kestrel. Sexes are similar. Juveniles show browner tones with slightly heavier barring, molting toward the grey adult plumage within their first year.

Found in savanna and open woodland with scattered palms across parts of southeastern and south-central Africa, including areas near rivers and floodplains. Resident, generally not undertaking long migrations.

Hunts insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small birds from a perch, often associated closely with palm trees for both hunting perches and nesting cavities. Nests in tree cavities or old nests, frequently in palms. Calls include high, sharp chattering notes. A grey feather with fine pale scaling on the back, found near palm-dotted savanna in southeastern Africa, is consistent with this species.