AMERICAN KESTREL
Falco sparverius
Notable Physical Characteristics - Size - Habitat - Nesting - Hunting
Behavior - Call - Additional Information - Resources
Notable Physical Characteristics
Vibrant chestnut and black
Long, pointed wings
Long tail
Short legs
Large dark brown eyes
Blue-gray crown
White “eye-spots”
Male: blue-gray wings, tail unbarred
Female: Black barred wings, black bands on tail
Smallest Falcon
Length: 9”
Wingspan: 22”
Weight: 4.1 oz.
(Female larger than male)
Only Kestrel found in the western hemisphere (13 species worldwide)
Ranges throughout North America and western Caribbean
Inhabits open areas with short vegetation
Prefers to nest in tree cavities near open meadows, grasslands, and deserts
Incubation period: 27-29 days
Incubation mostly by female
Hunts mostly from perches on trees and utility wires
When suitable perch is absent, Kestrels “hover-hunt”
Preys upon insects and small rodents
Head-bobbing is common when potential prey is spotted
Deep “rowing” wingbeats
Very successful in defending territory from larger raptors such as the Red-Tail
Solitary during breeding season and migration
Screaming kli kli kli kli kli kli kli kli
Somewhat weaker than other raptors
Most numerous North American falcon
Population more than 1.2 million