American Kestrel Falcon
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Falco sparverius
ANIMAL PROFILE: The Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America—about the size of an American Robin. Like all raptors, the American Kestrel is sexually dimorphic, although there is some overlap within the species. The female ranges in length from 23 to 28 centimeters (9-11 inches) with a wingspan of 53–61 centimeters (21–24 inches) and weighs an average of 120 grams (4.2 ounces). The length of the male varies between 20–25 centimeters (8–10 inches) with a wingspan ranging from 51–56 centimeters (20–22 inches) and weighing an average of 111 grams (3.9 ounces). These subtle differences are often difficult to discern in the field.
The coloration of the feathers, however, greatly varies between the sexes. Males have blue-grey secondary feathers on their wings, while the undersides are white with black barring. The back of the female American Kestrel is rufous with dark brown barring. The wings exhibit similar coloration and patterning to the back. The tail of the female is noticeably different from the male, being rufous in color with numerous narrow dark brown or black bars.
The kestrel has a sharp, hooked bill and large, talon-tipped feet that are ideal for hunting. The American Kestrel is the only North American falcon to habitually hover with rapid wing beats, keeping its head motionless while scanning the ground for prey. The kestrel commonly perches along fences and powerlines. They hunt large insects, bats, mice, birds and small reptiles. They rarely chase prey, such as flying insects or bats, through the air.
Courtship begins shortly after the male establishes a territory. Three to seven eggs are laid (usually 4 or 5) over a period of 2 or 3 days. Eggs are white, cream or pale pink with an average size of 35 x 29 mm. In early courtship, he may give the "dive display", a series of climbs and dives 33 to 66 feet (10 to 20 m) with 3-5 "klee" notes given near the peak of each climb. He may present the female with food during courtship feeding. He may entice her to the nest site by calling. He may "flutter-glide" toward her with quick and shallow wing beats while carrying food and she may also beg for food by flutter-gliding. The female initiates copulation by bowing with her tail in line with her body or slightly raised.
Pair bonding among kestrels is strong and usually permanent. A pair is established after the male takes over a particular territory. Thereafter, a female will begin to hunt and associate herself with the male. The major components that will strengthen the bond between the two kestrels include courtship feeding of the female by the male, aerial displays and the search for a nest site. During the nesting period, the male provides the family with food. Three to seven eggs are laid (usually 4 or 5) over a period of 2 or 3 days. Eggs are white, cream or pale pink with an average size of 35 x 29 mm. Later, both will hunt as the nestlings mature and eventually leave the nest some 30 to 31 days after they hatch.
This falcon species is not long-lived. The oldest banded wild bird was 11 years and seven months old while a captive lived 17 years.
Read MoreANIMAL PROFILE: The Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America—about the size of an American Robin. Like all raptors, the American Kestrel is sexually dimorphic, although there is some overlap within the species. The female ranges in length from 23 to 28 centimeters (9-11 inches) with a wingspan of 53–61 centimeters (21–24 inches) and weighs an average of 120 grams (4.2 ounces). The length of the male varies between 20–25 centimeters (8–10 inches) with a wingspan ranging from 51–56 centimeters (20–22 inches) and weighing an average of 111 grams (3.9 ounces). These subtle differences are often difficult to discern in the field.
The coloration of the feathers, however, greatly varies between the sexes. Males have blue-grey secondary feathers on their wings, while the undersides are white with black barring. The back of the female American Kestrel is rufous with dark brown barring. The wings exhibit similar coloration and patterning to the back. The tail of the female is noticeably different from the male, being rufous in color with numerous narrow dark brown or black bars.
The kestrel has a sharp, hooked bill and large, talon-tipped feet that are ideal for hunting. The American Kestrel is the only North American falcon to habitually hover with rapid wing beats, keeping its head motionless while scanning the ground for prey. The kestrel commonly perches along fences and powerlines. They hunt large insects, bats, mice, birds and small reptiles. They rarely chase prey, such as flying insects or bats, through the air.
Courtship begins shortly after the male establishes a territory. Three to seven eggs are laid (usually 4 or 5) over a period of 2 or 3 days. Eggs are white, cream or pale pink with an average size of 35 x 29 mm. In early courtship, he may give the "dive display", a series of climbs and dives 33 to 66 feet (10 to 20 m) with 3-5 "klee" notes given near the peak of each climb. He may present the female with food during courtship feeding. He may entice her to the nest site by calling. He may "flutter-glide" toward her with quick and shallow wing beats while carrying food and she may also beg for food by flutter-gliding. The female initiates copulation by bowing with her tail in line with her body or slightly raised.
Pair bonding among kestrels is strong and usually permanent. A pair is established after the male takes over a particular territory. Thereafter, a female will begin to hunt and associate herself with the male. The major components that will strengthen the bond between the two kestrels include courtship feeding of the female by the male, aerial displays and the search for a nest site. During the nesting period, the male provides the family with food. Three to seven eggs are laid (usually 4 or 5) over a period of 2 or 3 days. Eggs are white, cream or pale pink with an average size of 35 x 29 mm. Later, both will hunt as the nestlings mature and eventually leave the nest some 30 to 31 days after they hatch.
This falcon species is not long-lived. The oldest banded wild bird was 11 years and seven months old while a captive lived 17 years.
