Falco tinnunculus, commonly known as the Common Kestrel, is native to a wide geographical area, which includes large parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also found in parts of the Middle East and has a significant presence in North Africa. The kestrel is one of the most widespread birds of prey and is found nearly everywhere except in the extreme polar regions and the rainforests of the equator.

Common Kestrels typically inhabit open country and farmland, including meadows, grasslands, and heathlands. They are frequently found in habitats that offer a mix of open areas for hunting and scattered trees or structures for perching. The climates they thrive in are generally temperate, but they can adapt to a range of environmental conditions, from the semi-arid conditions of North Africa to the more temperate zones of Europe.

The ecological niche of the Common Kestrel is primarily that of a small bird and rodent predator. They are known for their distinctive hunting behavior, hovering at a height of around 10-20 meters over open fields to spot prey, and then diving to catch small mammals, particularly voles, as well as insects and small birds. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, and they are known to nest in buildings as well as natural rocky outcrops or old tree nests.