Where Do British Kestrels Live in the UK?

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is widespread across the UK:

• Habitat: Farmland, grassland, heathland, moorland, coastal cliffs, urban parks, gardens, city centers (nest on buildings).
• Distribution: England, Wales, Scotland (except far northwest Highlands/Islands), Northern Ireland.
• Absent/Low Density: Dense coniferous plantations, highest mountains, heavily built-up cores without green space.

Population: ~45,000 pairs (UK), declining ~30% since 1990s (agricultural intensification, rodenticide, habitat loss). Amber-listed (Birds of Conservation Concern).

Behavior: Hover-hunts voles, mice, shrews; nests in cavities, ledges, old crow nests, nest boxes.