American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Scientific classification : 

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Aves

Order : Falconiformes

Family : Falconidae

Genus : Falco

Species : F. sparverius

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), sometimes colloquially known as the Sparrow Hawk, is a small falcon, and the only kestrel found in the Americas. It is the most common falcon in North America, and is found in a wide variety of habitats. At 19–21 centimeters (7–8 in) long, it is also the smallest falcon in North America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and plumage, although both genders have a rufous back with noticeable barring. Juveniles are similar in plumage to adults.

This bird is native to North America with at least 15 subspecies running the length of the Americas and near world-wide distribution of the species. It is not a traditional bird in falconry as it does not exist in the wild in Europe, but it has been very successfully used for falconry. As the smallest American falcon, the size makes it unintimidating to a novice, however that is also a hidden danger as their metabolism is so high that in order to keep them in peak condition, precise measurements must be made of their weight and food intake. 

This bird is not to be confused with the Eurasian Kestrel or the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. 

Plumage: The immature plumage of the Kestrel is not long lasted as the American Kestrel goes through a moult within 6 months of hatching. Partly because of this, the haggard Kestrel is an acceptable bird for an apprentice to trap. The male and female are very differently colored. The female is a duller brown and blue-gray color while the male has more striking rust and stronger blue-gray colors. 

Hunting: Typical quarry caught with the Kestrel are mice, house sparrows, starlings, English sparrows, and insects. These birds subsist on small mice and insects in the wild. Commonly passed over as a hunting companion for not having the flashy style of some other birds, these birds can actually be hunted in a backyard and have been known to be flown by handicapped falconers who are able to manage the hunting style and quarry that this falcon takes. This small raptor has a unique ability to hover in mid-flight. 

In the summer when this bird is catching grasshoppers and other insects, it hunts in a typical buteonine style. During the winter months when this bird is hunting other small birds, it hunts in a falconine fashion. 

Trivia: The Kestrel is also referred to as the American Kestrel, American Sparrowhawk, Eastern Sparrow Hawk, or Sparrow Hawk (a misnomer as this is actually a falcon). This becomes very confusing when discussing the Eurasian Sparrowhawk or the European Kestrel. These are wide-spread and estimated to have a breeding population of 2.4 million in the US alone. One characteristic of the Kestrel is the tail pumping actions, head bobbing, and hovering flight style it performs. This bird will most usually have a hunting weight under 100 g. For its size, this bird has the most powerful foot of any of the birds used in falconry. Kestrels are not known for being highly motivated to hunt, unlike many other species such as Merlins or Goshawks. These birds need to know they have a distinct advantage over their intended prey in order to give chase.

Distribution: The American Kestrel is the most abundant falcon in North America, although its total population is difficult to quantify, as local populations can change quickly due to resource availability. The North American population has been estimated at 1.2 million pairs, with the Central and South American populations being as large. A smaller estimate is 236,000 birds wintering in North America. A population increase occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, probably due to deforestation for agriculture. The resulting pastures provided a ideal habitat for kestrels.

  Year Round

  Summer (breeding)

  Winter (nonbreeding)