FALCONS

American Kestrel, Falco sparverius

Family Falconidae (Falcons)

Size: 10"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open country, urban areas

North America’s most common falcon, the American Kestrel is a tiny, robin-size falcon with long, pointed wings and tail. Fast in flight, it hovers above fields or dives from its perch on branches or a wire to capture small animals and insects. The upperparts are rufous and barred with black, the wings are blue-gray, and the breast is buff or white and streaked with black spots. The head is patterned with a gray crown and vertical patches of black down the face. The female has rufous wings and a barred tail. Also known as the Sparrow Hawk, it has a habit of flicking its tail up and down while perched. The adult male is illustrated.