American Kestrel female

American Kestrel Images, Facts and Information:

Falco sparverius

  • The American Kestrel is the smallest and most colorful falcon species of North America.
  • The male and female are alike in shape but different in coloration, the male has slate-blue wings and head that contrast nicely with his rusty back and tail and the female has those same rusty tones on her back, wings and tail. The female also has a barred pattern on her back, wings and tail. Both the male and female have boldly patterned heads.
  • They hunt mainly for insects and small mammals but will take a small bird when they have the chance. American Kestrels usually capture their prey on the ground but they will also catch prey on the wing.
  • Their habitat includes, open meadows, grasslands, deserts, road sides, towns, cities and farmlands.
  • American Kestrels are cavity nesters. They lay between 3 to 7 eggs which take 26 to 32 days to hatch. The female is the primary incubator but males will also incubate on occasion.
  • A common nickname for American Kestrels is “Sparrow Hawk”.
  • A group of falcons can be called a “bazaar”, “eyrie”, “stooping up” and a “tower” of falcons.
  • American Kestrels live between 10 to 15 years.

I hope you enjoy viewing my American Kestrel photos.

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