American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Falconiformes · Falconidae
About
The American kestrel is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. Though it has been called the American sparrowhawk, this common name is a misnomer; the American kestrel is a true falcon, while neither the Eurasian sparrowhawk nor the other species called sparrowhawks are in the Falconidae family, hence only very distantly related to the American kestrel. It has a roughly two-to-one range in size over subspecies and sex, varying in size from about the weight of a blue jay to a mourning dove. It also ranges to South America and is a well-established species that has evolved into 17 subspecies adapted to different environments and habitats throughout the Americas. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and plumage, although both sexes have a rufous back with noticeable barring. Its plumage is colorful and attractive, and juveniles are similar in plumage to adults.
Fun Fact
American Kestrels are sexually dimorphic raptors where males sport slate-blue wings while females have rusty-brown wings.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, deserts and other open to semi-open regions.
Diet
Prey is most often caught on the ground, though occasionally they take birds in flight.
Lifespan
5 years (wild)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance