American Kestrel
NameAmerican Kestrel
Common NameAmerican Kestrel
Scientific NameFalco sparverius
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)26.5
Weight (g)122.5
Plumage DetailsMales feature slate-blue wings, a rufous back, and a rufous tail with a broad black subterminal band. Females have rufous wings and back with dark barring, and a rufous tail with multiple narrow dark bands. Both sexes have distinctive black vertical facial stripes on a white face.
Vocalization / CallTheir most common call is a rapid, high-pitched "killy-killy-killy" or "klee-klee-klee" series, often given when agitated or in flight. They also produce softer chattering or whining notes.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grasslands, agricultural fields, savannas, deserts, urban areas, suburban areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Americas, from Alaska and Canada south to Tierra del Fuego. Northern populations are migratory, while southern populations are resident.
Identifying Featuressmall size, colorful plumage (rufous, blue-gray, white), distinctive black facial stripes, long, pointed wings, rufous tail (barred in females, single black band in males), hovering flight pattern
Description
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest and most colorful falcon, often seen perched on wires or hovering over open fields. It is a swift and agile hunter, preying on insects and small vertebrates. This bird exhibits sexual dimorphism in plumage.
