Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
The lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a falcon species found in Crete. Locals also refer to it as ‘anemogami’ because it has the ability to hover in a fixed position in the air, even against the wind.
This petite falcon resides in warm regions and undertakes a migration to Africa during the winter months. Its diet consists primarily of rodents, reptiles, and insects.
This bird is known for its noisy behaviour and can be found living in flocks consisting of hundreds of individuals. However, they are also frequently observed in pairs.
This bird can measure up to 36 centimetres in size. Males typically exhibit an ash-red colouration on their heads, along with red tails and backs. On the other hand, females have white claws and red streaks on their backs.
Photo: By paolo-manzi Via create.vista
The fauna of Crete
The Cretan endemic butterfly Zerynthia cretica
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)
Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)
Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)
Eleonora's Falcon
The European Rabbit or Coney
Giorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European Horse
The Cretan Badger
Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
Mute Swan
Cretan wildcat
Butterflies and Moths of the island
Cretan Tracker: Europe's Oldest Hound, a Gift from Zeus
Cretan shrew
Kri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)
Least Weasel
Bats
European Fat/Edible Dormouse
The Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)
Cat Snake
Balkan Whip Snake
Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
Greek turtle
Water Snake
European Ratsnake or Leopard Snake
The Bullfrog
The European Green Toad
Common Kingfisher
Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)
Coleoptera
Fossil Vertebrates of Crete
Hippopotamus creutzburgi
Athene cretensis
Elephas chaniensis
Endemic Pleistocene mammals
Deinotherium giganteum