It is one of the largest kestrels and is found in open country in southern and eastern Africa.

Juvenile birds have rufous instead of grey on the tail, streaked flanks and a dark eye.

It occurs in open, arid areas where it inhabits grassland, savannas and semi-desert.

It is fairly common and widespread in the southern parts of its range but is scarce and patchily distributed further north.

The greater kestrel usually hunts from an exposed perch such as a tree or rock.

It is attracted to fires where it catches insects and other prey as they flee from the flames.

Breeding takes place in all months in Kenya and Tanzania but is concentrated between April and July.

A typical site is between 2 and 20 metres above the ground in a tree or sometimes on a telegraph pole or pylon.