Birds Of Japan 51:Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) チョウゲンボウ

Common Kestrel チョウゲンボウ Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus The Common Kestrel is a small falcon often seen hovering over fields, riverbanks, grasslands

Common Kestrel チョウゲンボウ Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus The Common Kestrel is a small falcon often seen hovering over fields, riverbanks, grasslands, and open countryside. In Japanese it is called チョウゲンボウ / Chōgenbō. It has pointed wings, a long tail, sharp eyes, and a quick, light flight style. The male has a gray head and tail, reddish-brown back with dark spots, and pale underparts with fine markings. The female is browner overall, with barred wings and tail. Both sexes often hover in one place while searching the ground for prey — one of the best ways to identify this species in the field. In Japan, the Common Kestrel is found in open habitats, especially farmland, riverbanks, grasslands, reclaimed land, coastal fields, and urban edges with open hunting space. It may also nest on cliffs, buildings, bridges, towers, or other high structures. Habitat: Farmland, grassland, riverbanks, open fields, coastal plains, urban edges Range in Japan: Widespread in suitable open habitats; local and patchy depending on region Diet: Small mammals, insects, small birds, reptiles, and other small animals Season: Year-round in some areas; winter visitor or seasonal mover in others Size: About 33–38 cm Nesting: Uses cliffs, building ledges, bridges, towers, or old nests; does not build a large nest itself Behavior: Famous for hovering in the air while hunting; dives down quickly when prey is found Conservation: Common in suitable habitat, but open farmland, grassland, and safe nesting places are important The Common Kestrel is a small and elegant falcon of Japan’s open landscapes. It is often seen hovering above fields, riverbanks, and grasslands while searching for small mammals, insects, and reptiles. The male has a gray head and reddish-brown back, while the female is browner and more barred. With its sharp wings, long tail, and graceful hunting style, the チョウゲンボウ is one of Japan’s most familiar small birds of prey.

Common Kestrel チョウゲンボウ

The Common Kestrel is a small falcon often seen in open fields, farmland, grasslands, riverbanks, coastal plains, and urban edges in Japan. It has long pointed wings, a long tail, sharp talons, and warm brown upperparts with dark spots. Males show a gray head and tail, while females are more brown and barred overall.

This kestrel is famous for hovering in the air while searching for prey below. It hunts mainly small mammals, insects, lizards, and small birds, often dropping quickly from the air after spotting movement in grass or open ground. Its light hovering flight makes it one of the easiest falcons to recognize in open Japanese landscapes.