American Kestrel

American Kestrel

American sparrowhawk, Antillean sparrow hawk, Cuban sparrow hawk, Florida sparrow hawk, Guatemalan sparrow hawk, Hispaniolan sparrow hawk, San Lucas sparrow hawk, Sparrow hawk

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Falco sparverius
Population size
9.2 Mlnlnn
Life Span
11-17 years
Top speed
104
64
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
80-165
2.8-5.8
goz
g oz 
Length
22-31
8.7-12.2
cminch
cm inch 
Wingspan
51
20
cminch
cm inch 

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. It is a common bird used in falconry, especially by beginners. Though not as strong a flyer as many other, larger falcons, proper training and weight control by the falconer allows many American kestrels to become effective hunters of birds in the size range of sparrows and starlings, with occasional success against birds up to approximately twice their own weight.

Di

Diurnal

Ca

Carnivore

In

Insectivores

Ar

Arboreal

Am

Ambush predator

Pu

Pursuit predator

Al

Altricial

Zo

Zoochory

Gl

Gliding

Po

Pollinator

Te

Terrestrial

Te

Territorial

Ov

Oviparous

Mo

Monogamy

Ge

Generally solitary

So

Solitary

Pa

Partial Migrant

Mi

Migrating

A

starts with

Appearance

In contrast to many other raptors, the males and the females of this species differ more in plumage than in size. Males have blue-grey wings with black spots and white undersides with black barring. Their back is rufous, with barring on the lower half. The belly and flanks are white with black spotting. The tail is also rufous, with a white or rufous tip and a black subterminal band. The back and wings of the female American kestrel are rufous with dark brown barring. The undersides of the females are creamy to buff with heavy brown streaking. Their tail is rufous in color with numerous narrow dark black bars.

Video

Distribution

Geography

The breeding range of American kestrels extends from central and western Alaska across northern Canada to Nova Scotia, and south throughout North America, into central Mexico and the Caribbean. They are local breeders in Central America and are widely distributed throughout South America. Most birds breeding in Canada and the northern United States migrate south in the winter, sometimes going as far as Central America and the Caribbean. American kestrels are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, deserts, and other open to semi-open regions. They can also be found in both urban and suburban areas. Their habitat must include perches, open space for hunting, and cavities for nesting.

American Kestrel habitat map
American Kestrel habitat map
American Kestrel
Public Domain Dedication (CC0)

Habits and Lifestyle

Outside of the breeding season, American kestrels spend their time singly. They usually hunt by day in an energy-conserving fashion; they perch and scan the ground for prey to ambush or may also hunt from the air. They are often seen along roadsides or fields perched on objects such as trees, overhead power lines, or fence posts. They also hunt by kiting, hovering in the air with rapid wing beats, and scanning the ground for prey. Other hunting techniques include a low flight over fields or chasing insects and birds in the air. Prey is most often caught on the ground, though occasionally they take birds in flight. Before striking, the kestrel characteristically bobs its head and tail, then makes a direct flight toward the prey to grab it in its talons. American kestrels communicate with the help of three basic vocalizations - the "klee" or "killy", the "whine", and the "chitter". The "klee" is usually delivered as a rapid series - klee, klee, klee, klee when the kestrel is upset or excited. This call is used in a wide variety of situations and is heard from both sexes. The "whine" call is primarily associated with feeding. The "chitter" is used in courtship feeding, mating, and feeding of nestlings.

Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

American kestrels are carnivores and feed largely on small animals such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, lizards, mice, voles, and small birds. They may also hunt snakes, bats, and squirrels.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
INCUBATION PERIOD
30 days
INDEPENDENT AGE
6-7 weeks
BABY NAME
chick
web.animal_clutch_size
3-7 eggs

American kestrels are monogamous and form strong long-lasting pair bonds. In migratory populations, the males arrive at the breeding ground before the females, then the female selects a mate. Males perform elaborate dive displays to advertise their territory and attract a mate. These displays consist of several climbs and dives, with three or four "klee" calls at their peaks. Pairs usually use previous nesting sites in consecutive years. American kestrels are cavity nesters, but they are able to adapt to a wide variety of nesting situations. They generally prefer natural cavities (such as in trees) but will also nest in holes created by large woodpeckers, or use the abandoned nests of other birds. They may even nest on cliff ledges and building tops, or utilize nesting boxes. The female lays 3 to 7 eggs which are white to cream in color with brown or grey splotching. Incubation usually lasts 30 days and is mainly done by the female. Hatchlings are altricial (helpless) and are only able to sit up after 5 days. They grow very quickly, reaching an adult weight after 16-17 days. After 28-31 days, they are able to leave the nest and depend on their parents for another 2 or 3 weeks. American kestrels usually reach reproductive maturity and may breed from a year old.

Population

Population threats

The main threat to American kestrels is habitat loss as a result of longleaf pines being cleared from agricultural fields. They also suffer from competition with other birds for nest sites, from hunting and trapping, road collisions, and predation by other raptors.

Population number

According to the All About Birds resource the total population size of the American kestrel is around 9.2 million individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • American kestrels have two black spots (ocelli) on each side of their nape. The function of these spots is debated, but the most commonly accepted theory is that they act as "false eyes", and help to protect kestrels from potential attackers.
  • The American kestrel is also known as grasshopper hawk, due to its diet, and killy hawk, due to its distinct call.
  • There are 17 subspecies of the American kestrel and each varies in color, size, and vocalizations.
  • The American kestrel is commonly used in falconry, especially by beginners. Though not as strong a flyer as many other, larger falcons, proper training and weight control by the falconer allows many American kestrels to become effective hunters of birds such as sparrows and starlings.

Coloring Pages

References

1. American Kestrel on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_kestrel
2. American Kestrel on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696395/93559037
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/681907

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