American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
Scientific Name
American Kestrel:
Falco sparverius
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
The American kestrel can be found in most of North and Central America.
Natural Habitat
The American kestrel enjoys the open country like prairies, deserts, wooded streams, farmlands and they also enjoy city living. They like to nest in dead trees, dirt banks on cliffs, city parks and farmland.
Physical Characteristics
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The American kestrel is about 9.5 inches in size with a wingspan of 21.5 inches. Kestrels are rusty brown above, with a black nape and two vertical black stripes on a white face. Their legs are orange to yellow with a russet black tail.
Quick Facts
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The American kestrel makes a rapid high sound similar to a “klee, klee, klee” or “killy, killy, killy”. Kestrels are easy to spot on telephone wires and utility poles near open grasslands.
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Perhaps the most colorful raptor in the world, the American Kestrel is the most common falcon in North America.
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In winter, female and male American Kestrels use different habitats. The female uses the preferred more open habitat, and the male uses areas with more trees.