Identification: It is a small sized falcon with a an elegantly contoured body and long pointed wings. The head is Peregrine- like, with a black nape, crown and malar stripe; and light cream to white cheeks and throat. It measures about 30-35 cm. in length. The whitish underpart is broadly streaked with black and the thigh and under-tail coverts are rufous.

Habitat: It is found in open country, cultivated and semi-desert areas.

Distribution: It is mainly a winter visitor to Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and NWFP. It is a summer breeding visitor in the northern mountainous regions of the country.

Breeding: Breeding season extends between May and July. It lays 5 to 6 eggs in a clutch.

Food: It feeds mostly on small birds and flying insects such as dragon flies.

Status: Rare