Are starlings easily caught by a kestrel waiting above them?

Kestrels are known for being skilled hunters, but their hunting success can vary based on several factors, including the behavior and awareness of the prey. Starlings, being social birds, often exhibit strong flocking behavior, which can make it more challenging for a kestrel to catch them. When in a group, starlings can perform evasive maneuvers and confuse predators with their coordinated flight patterns. Additionally, they often remain vigilant and can quickly respond to the presence of a predator like a kestrel.

Kestrels typically rely on surprise and agility to catch their prey, and when starlings are in groups, their chances of being caught while aware of their surroundings and capable of collective defense are significantly decreased. Therefore, while a kestrel might target starlings if they are isolated or distracted, it is generally not easy for the bird of prey to catch them when they are behaving as a cohesive flock, making it unlikely that a kestrel can easily catch starlings when waiting above them.