Species Spotlight: American Kestrel

Scientific Name: Falco spaverious

Appearance: smallest falcon in North America, male and female have very different plumage. Male has slate-blue wings, slate-blue cap on head, black vertical stripes ("mustaches") under eyes over white cheeks, the back is rust with black bars, tail is rusty red with black terminal band and a single white with black barred feather on each side of the tail, breast color varies from solid rust color to white with streaks of brown. Female is rust colored with black bars on wings, tail and back, head is similar to male pattern but paler, breast cream with white streaks.

Size: Weight ranges from 3.5 - 5.3 ounces, females are larger than the males. Body length ranges from 8 - 11 inches, wingspan is 20 - 24 inches.

Range: widespread and common throughout North America south of the arctic tree line in most habitats. They prefer more open country although they will hunt open woodlands as well. Northern populations are migratory with some birds moving down through Central America, although the species remains abundant in the southern US during winter.

Food Preferences: small birds, insects, small lizards & snakes, mice, moles shrews, other small mammals.

Hunting Technique: Usually seen hovering or sitting on exposed perches like utility wires, fence posts, bare tree limbs, females tend to hunt in more open areas than the males, especially in winter.

Habitat: Open or partly open habitats with scattered trees, also cultivated and urban areas, also in the desert.

Nesting: nest in tree cavities, although they will readily accept nest boxes. They will also readily use any holes in cliff faces, cactus, crevices in buildings that are available.

Habits: active flight is light and buoyant, altho when in pursuit of a bird they will chase in a direct rapid flight. Glides on flat wings and is the only falcon in the US that will hover during hunting.

Status: Common throughout its' range.

NOTES: This species used to be commonly called a "sparrow hawk". The descriptive term goes back to the middle ages; "sparrow" was the common name for any small bird, and the verb "to hawk" means to fly after prey. Thus, a sparrow hawk flew after small birds, which is indeed their favorite food. They are a favorite bird of falconers for their small size and agility, not to mention personality!

Apex came to Three Rivers Avian Center in June of 2000 when he was about 8 weeks old. He was taken illegally from his nest as a hatchling by someone who wanted to keep him as a pet. When the person was confronted for illegally possessing a bird of prey by a local conservation officer, the person turned him over to Oglebay's Good Zoo. The damage was done however: as Apex's eyes focused, they focused on humans so he believes that he is a human, not a kestrel. Sadly, this misbelief will last him throughout his life, so he cannot be released back into the wild.