The common kestrel often hovers and searches for small vertebrates on the ground, such as mice, birds, frogs, lizards, squirrels and snakes. They also eat locusts, grasshoppers and crickets. The bird of prey hunts in the daytime. Once its target is locked, the bird closes its wings and swoops down to attack its prey, then flies off, quickly gaining altitude.

Lin Ge loves nature photography. He has been taking photos of birds for years. Here are some beautiful pictures of the common kestrel he took in Daqing City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.  

For more photos taken by Lin Ge, check the links below:

The beauty of common pheasants

Wonderful moment of a little tern capturing fish

Beautiful photos of flamingos

Feast your eyes on brightly colored orange-bellied leafbirds

Beautiful photos of fork-tailed sunbirds

Red-headed trogon: A brightly colored bird

Beautiful moments of bearded reedlings playing in the snow

Hen harrier swoops in to capture its prey

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)