AMERICAN KESTREL
Falco sparverius
DESCRIPTION
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, known for its striking plumage and agile flight. It is a common sight in open habitats across the continent.
FUN FACTS
- American Kestrels can see ultraviolet light, which helps them spot urine trails of small mammals | They are known to hunt by hovering in place, a unique hunting technique | The species is often used in falconry due to its manageable size and temperament
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
Average Weight80-150 g
Average Length22-27 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structurepair, typically monogamous during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- They inhabit open fields, grasslands, and urban areas, often perching on telephone wires or fence posts. They prefer areas with low vegetation for hunting.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Urban
- Native Range
- North America, from Canada to southern Mexico
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- American Kestrels primarily feed on insects, small mammals, and birds. They are skilled hunters, often seen hovering in the air while searching for prey.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, small mammals, birds
- Social Structure
- pair, typically monogamous during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
LC
80-150 g
Weight
22-27 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Males have blue-gray wings and a rufous back, while females are more brown and streaked.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more colorful with blue wings, females are browner and more camouflaged.
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-7
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, with a wide distribution across North America.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss and pesticide use, which can reduce their prey availability. Collisions with vehicles and buildings also pose risks.
- Predators
- Great Horned Owls, larger raptors
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use their speed and agility to evade predators, and may also perform distraction displays.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon