Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) - photograph by Ashley Beolens

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), also called Kestrel, is a common winter visitor in Haryana. This pigeon sized bird, locally called Karontia, Korruttia or Khermutia, is found in open areas.

Order: CICONIIFORMES   Family: Falconidae

Identification: It is brick red on top with a gray head and a rounded gray tail. It searches for its prey by hovering in mid air, flapping its wings and then swoops down and carries its prey away in its talons. Its food consists of mice, lizards, locusts and other insects.

Read more on Common Kestrel