Kestrel, Lesser or Common French Pyrenees (1 Viewer)

[dragnil]

Seen today in the foothills of the Pyreness was this falcon. It's in an area known for Lesser Kestrel in recent years and ny first thought in the field was that it was a Lesser. However, the trace of moustachial stripe makes me question my first impression. The images are crops from distant shots and I hope they will be clear enough for certain ID. Confirmation of Lesser or correction is welcomed with reasons please so I can learn. Thanks.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

I think it is a Common with these barred secondaries and this moustachial stripe

 

[Butty]

It's an immature male (tail-pattern), so I wouldn't've thought that those features would ID it.

 

[dragnil]

Thanks, Joern. Common it is...

 

[tconzemi]

I find CK aging really challenging, the barring of the tail of this male is not a second cal. year feature, older males can keep them for an unknown (?) time. 2nd cy should be moulting right now. So agree with adult Common male

 

[Simon G]

Is the wing formula any use? See e.g. here. That would seem to support Common Kestrel too (P10 similar to P7 in length).

 

[dragnil]

Thanks, Simon, that's really useful.