Editing Lesser kestrel (section)

==Ecology==
The lesser kestrel is, as the name implies, a smaller and more delicate bird than the common kestrel, and it is entirely [[sympatric]] in its breeding range with it; they compete to a limited extent. Thus, the possibility that there is some form of adaptive advantage to the similar coloration deserves study. Considering that the lesser kestrel would in fact have an advantage if some would-be [[predator]]s confused it with the larger species and consequently avoided it, it might be a case of [[Müllerian mimicry]].

The lesser kestrel eats [[insect]]s, but also small birds, reptiles and rodents (especially mice),<ref name=ADW/> which are often taken on the ground. It nests colonially on buildings, cliffs, or in tree holes, laying up to 3–6 eggs. No nest structure is built, which is typical for falcons. On their wintering grounds in West Africa, lesser kestrels favor a "latitude belt"<ref name=birdsnews/> through Senegal where locusts and grasshoppers are plentiful. Surveys of lesser kestrels wintering in January 2007 by the [[:fr:Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux|Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux]] revealed them roosting communally. A roost in Senegal discovered during one of the surveys held 28,600 birds, together with 16,000 [[scissor-tailed kite]]s ''Chelictinia riocourii''.<ref name=birdlife.news/>

It is widespread and plentiful on a global scale, and the [[IUCN]] have classed it as Least Concern.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> Apart from possible [[habitat destruction]], it appears that indiscriminate use of [[pesticide]]s has a strong effect on this species due to its insectivorous habits.<ref name=birdlife/>
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