American Kestrel
NameAmerican Kestrel
Common NameAmerican Kestrel
Scientific NameFalco sparverius
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)26.5
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsMales feature striking blue-gray wings, a rufous back, and a rufous tail with a single black subterminal band. Females have rufous wings and back with dark barring. Both sexes display two prominent black vertical stripes on a white face, a rufous crown, and spotted underparts.
Vocalization / CallTheir most common call is a rapid, high-pitched 'killy-killy-killy' or 'klee-klee-klee', often given when agitated or in flight.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grassland, desert, agricultural fields, urban areas, forest edge
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout North and South America, breeding from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and into South America. Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter.
Identifying Featuressmall size (smallest North American falcon), rufous and blue-gray plumage (males), two vertical black facial stripes, pointed wings, distinctive hovering flight, often perches on utility wires
Description
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest and most colorful falcon, often seen perched on wires or hovering over open fields. These agile raptors hunt insects and small vertebrates with keen eyesight and swift dives.
