Falco rupicoloides

This large, resident kestrel is often seen sitting on telephone poles in open country. Its rufous, barred appearance, together with its distinctive cream eye colour, make it easy to tell apart from other kestrel species.

We first recorded this species in April 2011 in Nxai Pan Game Reserve, Botswana. Reliable spots for this raptor include the farmlands near Bronkhorstspruit, specifically the roads around Vlaklaagte and the Verdana Spa road.