The American Kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America. Males are particularly striking with slate-blue wings and a rusty-red back and tail, while females have a more uniform, earthy brown color across their wings and back but share the same rufous tail with a black terminal band.
American Kestrels are adaptable birds, found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, deserts, and urban areas. They are known for their hunting prowess, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds, often seen hovering in the air with rapid wing beats before diving to catch prey with their sharp talons.
These falcons are cavity nesters, using old woodpecker holes, building crevices, and nest boxes. Their presence in diverse habitats is facilitated by their ability to exploit these various nesting opportunities, making them one of the most widely recognized falcons in North America.
During courtship, males perform impressive aerial displays, showcasing their agility to attract females. The American Kestrel's ability to adapt to various environments and its stunning appearance make it a favorite among bird watchers.
The American Kestrel is the smallest species of falcon in North America. The plumage of male and female American Kestrels differs significantly, which is unusual among birds of prey. Kestrels like to dine on insects, small rodents, and sometimes even other birds. One method they use for... Read more »
We have three new Birdorable coloring pages for anyone who loves to color! They are the Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel and Turkey Vulture! Go to Coloring Pages to download these three new PDFs and check the Meet the Birds page to check the colors. Read more »
