American Kestral

Falco sparverius

  • Classification: Bird
  • Lifespan in Captivity: 17 yrs
  • Lifespan in the Wild: 10 yrs
  • Wingspan: 1.5 ft
  • Weight: up to 4oz
  • Range: Most of United States, excluding far northern latitude
  • Habitat: From deserts to forests, prefers open areas
    • Diet in the Wild: songbirds, small rodents, large insects
    • Diet at Wildlife Images: mice, quail

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A member of the falcon family, American kestrels pack a predator’s fierce intensity into a small body. When hunting, they usually snatch their victims from the ground, though some catch quarry on the wing. While young birds are learning to hunt, they will often hunt in family units. American kestrels are one of a few species of raptors whose sex can be identified by sight: the males are brightly colored to attract females, while the females themselves sport much more muted colors. The difference in coloration by sex is known as sexual dimorphism. A common name many people recognize for these birds is “sparrow hawk,” but in fact, these raptors are members of the falcon family, the smallest in North America. “Kiting” is a behavior kestrels are well known for, where they will hover in place over a field searching for prey. Once a potential meal is located, they then quickly dive after it, giving the appearance of falling out of mid-air.

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