American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Other Common Names
Sparrow Hawk, but this is a misnomer as this species is not a hawk nor does it consume a significant amount of sparrows.

Behind-The-Scenes, Presentation Spaces

Other Common Names

Sparrow Hawk, but this is a misnomer as this species is not a hawk nor does it consume a significant amount of sparrows.

At the Aquarium

Behind-The-Scenes, Presentation Spaces

Appearance

The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, growing to lengths of 9 to 12 inches with a wingspan of 20 to 25 inches.

In flight the American kestrel shows a long tail and long pointed wings.

American kestrels have pale breast feathers and two vertical dark face stripes.

Females have reddish brown backs and wings with narrow dark bars. Their tails are also reddish brown with many dark bars.

Males have a reddish brown tail with a black tip. Their backs are reddish brown which contrasts their blue-gray wings. Juvenile males look similar to adult males but have heavily streaked breasts.

Habitat

Open areas ranging from deserts and grasslands to alpine meadows. Also common in farmlands and forest clearings.

Diet

Rodents, insects, bats, small birds, small reptiles, and frogs.

Life History

American kestrels in southern or middle latitudes are permanent residents, while northern birds may migrate far to the south.

They often nest in holes of dead trees or in the side of a dirt bank or cliff. They may also use old bird nests. In the southwest part of its range, this bird often nests in holes in giant cacti.

American kestrels lay 3 to 7 white or pale brown eggs with brown and gray spots. Both parents sit on the eggs for 29 to 31 days. At first, the female remains with the young while the male brings food. After 1 to 2 weeks the female also hunts. The young are about 28 to 31 days old when they first take flight.

Parents continue to feed their young up to 12 days after they are able to leave the nest. These juveniles may gather in groups with other young American kestrels from other nests.

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

American kestrels contribute to biodiversity as both predator and prey.

As predators American kestrels help control prey populations, including rodents and insects that may eat agricultural crops. It has been found that setting up kestrel nest boxes in fruit orchards may help deter pests.

Found throughout North, South, and Central America.

The American kestrel breeds throughout Oregon in open areas from sea level to the alpine zone.

Keep an eye out for American kestrels while driving as you are likely to see them perched on telephone wires along roadsides and in open areas with short vegetation and few trees.

The American kestrel is the most common falcon in North America.

While perched, the American kestrel will often pump its tail, making it appear as if it is trying to balance.

During courtship a male American kestrel will bring food for a female, passing it to her mid-flight.

American kestrels hunt by watching from a high perch and then swooping down to capture their prey with their sharp talons.

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Citations & Other Resources

BirdLife International. 2016. Falco sparverius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016.

Alsop, F. 2001. Birds of North America (1st American ed.). DK.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. N.d. American Kestrel Identification. All About Birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/id

National Audubon Society. N.d. American Kestrel. Audubon Field Guide. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-kestrel

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. N.d. American kestrel. https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/american-kestrel

Shave, M. E., S.A. Shwiff, J.L. Elser, and C.A. Lindell. 2018. Falcons using orchard nest boxes reduce fruit-eating bird abundances and provide economic benefits for a fruit-growing region. The Journal of Applied Ecology, 55(5), 2451–2460. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13172

Back to All Animals

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

Other Common Names

At the Aquarium

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Life History

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Citations & Other Resources

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