American Kestrel Falco sparverius
- IdentificationVisual tips about this species
- BehaviourHabitat, behaviour, and food
- PopulationSubspecies and numbers
- ReproductionNesting and eggs
Identification
The smallest and most common falcon in North America, it is the size of a Blue Jay. It is easily identified by its russet back and tail and the double "moustache" marks on each side of its white face. The male's wings are blue-gray, the female's russet. The juvenile is very much like the adult, with heavy breast streaking. The slightly larger, but similar, Merlin lacks the strong face markings and the russet back of American Kestrel. The Kestrel is the only American falcon which hovers. The White-tailed Kite hovers but is larger, paler and stockier than a Kestrel and has more rounded-looking wings
Voice
A shrill, high pitched, ‘killy-killy-killy’.
Length
9in
Behaviour
Often hovers on rapid wingbeats, frequently followed by a quick descent to strike unwary prey.
Migration
Moves into the north central United Sates, Canada and Alaska in March and early April. Southward movement is in September and October. Some birds winter as far south as Panama.
Habitat
Cities, open country and farmlands.
Food
Insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Population trends
In the northeast the population is in decline, but it remains stable in other areas.
Where in US
Breeds in Alaska, Canada and in all of the United States except south Texas. In winter it withdraws from Alaska, Canada and the north central United States. It is a year-round resident in the remainder of the breeding range and at that season is also common in south Texas.
Nests
Nests in natural, or man-made, cavities and old woodpecker holes without adding nesting material. It will also use nest boxes.
Eggs
Usually 4-5, white to pale brown, evenly covered with minute speckling in various shades of brown. May be double-brooded.
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