The Common Kestrel's call is a sharp, cutting and shrill "kli-kli-kli-kli" or "ki-ki-ki-ki" repeated rapidly in a series of five to ten notes. The call is loud and penetrating and carries far across open country. It is delivered at a high, slightly strained pitch and resembles a grating scream. Another variant, deeper and more drawn out — "kiij... kiij... kiij" — is sometimes heard during courtship.
The Common Kestrel is not a bird that sings in the traditional sense. It vocalises mainly at the nest site: during courtship, when changing nest sites, when an intruder approaches the nest and when the young are hungry. Outside the breeding season the species is relatively silent. The young give a persistent, plaintive "tsji-tsji-tsji" when begging for food.
The call is heard clea