Falco sparverius American Kestrel
Family Falconidae
Powerful hunters distinguished from hawks by long narrow & pointed wings, bent backwards at the wrist. Females larger than males. Kill prey using their notched bill to sever spinal cord at the neck
Description:
- Male has white spots on trailing edge of wings
- Pale underwing
- 10.5 inches long- smallest & most common falcon. Day-active
- Both sexes have: small & slim shape; long tail and angled wings; double face stripe
Habitats: Found in open habitats, often seen on roadside wires or fence posts, pumping tail. Often hovers when hunting.
Prey: insects & small mammals. In winter, also eats small birds
3 photos of captive female (injured & used for education)
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- photo by: Dave Hillstad
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- Male has slate-gray “shoulders”- wing coverts”
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- Male has white spots on trailing edge of wings Separate spots On breast Solid brown tail With black bar at tip
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- Male Kestrel below; Photos: Rod Gilbert
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- Females has streaks on breast Female has barred tail and back