Editing Common kestrel (section)

== Description ==
The common kestrels measures {{convert|32|-|39|cm|in|abbr=on|frac=2}} from head to tail, with a wingspan of {{convert|65|-|82|cm|in|abbr=on|frac=2}}. The females is noticeably larger, with the adult male weighing {{convert|136|-|252|g|oz|frac=8|abbr=on}}, around {{convert|155|g|oz|frac=8|abbr=on}} on average; the adult female weighs {{convert|154|-|314|g|oz|frac=8|abbr=on}}, around {{convert|184|g|oz|frac=8|abbr=on}} on average. They are thus small compared with other birds of prey, but larger than most [[songbird]]s. Like the other ''[[falcon|Falco]]'' [[species]], they have long wings as well as a distinctive long tail.<ref name=Orta1994/>

The plumage is mainly light [[chestnut (colour)|chestnut]] brown with blackish spots on the upperside and [[buff (colour)|buff]] with narrow blackish streaks on the underside; the [[remiges]] are also blackish. Unlike most [[bird of prey|raptor]]s, they display [[sexual dimorphism|sexual colour dimorphism]] with the male having fewer black spots and streaks, as well as a blue-grey cap and tail. The tail is brown with black bars in females, and has a black tip with a narrow white rim in both sexes. All common kestrels have a prominent black [[Cheek|malar]] stripe like their closest relatives.<ref name=Orta1994/>

The [[cere]], feet, and a narrow ring around the eye are bright yellow; the toenails, bill and [[iris (anatomy)|iris]] are dark. Juveniles look like adult females, but the underside streaks are wider; the yellow of their bare parts is paler. Hatchlings are covered in white [[down feather]]s, changing to a buff-grey second down coat before they grow their first true plumage.<ref name=Orta1994/>