American Kestrel
Image: Marshal Zabel (cc-by-nc)
NameAmerican Kestrel
Common NameAmerican Kestrel
Scientific NameFalco sparverius
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)26
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsMales feature a rufous back and tail, blue-gray wings, and a creamy, spotted underside. Both sexes have distinctive black vertical stripes on their white faces, a dark crown, and bright orange feet. Females have rufous wings with dark barring.
Vocalization / CallA rapid, high-pitched 'killy-killy-killy' or 'klee-klee-klee' call, often given when agitated or in flight.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grassland, agricultural fields, urban areas, forest edges
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Americas, from Alaska and Canada south to Tierra del Fuego, including the Caribbean islands. Northern populations are migratory, while southern populations are resident.
Identifying Featuressmall size (smallest North American falcon), colorful plumage (rufous, blue-gray, white), distinctive black facial stripes, long tail with a black subterminal band (male), often perches on wires or hovers
Description
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest and most colorful falcon, often seen perching on wires or hovering over open fields. It is a fierce predator despite its small size, hunting insects and small vertebrates.
