American Kestrel: The Sparrow Hawk

Kestrels are the smaller members of the falcon genus which are recognized for their orthodox hunting attitude. They are normally recognized due to their brown feathers and scientifically they belong to the order “Falconiformes” and the class “Aves”. Distinct species of kestrels are identified in numerous components of the world but the only kestrel identified in North America is known as “American Kestrel“. American Kestrel is also named as the Sparrow Hawk and it ranges from Alaska to North Canada and then the eastern coastal zones of the US , Central America till Mexico. Their natural habitats include vast grasslands , agricultural farms , meadows , towns , parks and huge plains.

The Pair of American Kestrel. Photo : Greg Peterson

American kestrel is an incredible bird due to their fantastic colors and wonderful hovering flight. Like other kestrels the American kestrels also do not make their own nests but they have a tendency to live in other birdhouses. The male American kestrel has blue and grey wings with black and white spots. It has brownish red belly with black and white stains. The typical length of the male is 7-eight inches with the 50-60cm wingspan. The female American kestrel is slightly larger with dark brown back and wings. The undersides of the wings are creamy. The essential distinction amongst the male and female American kestrel is the tail as the males have brownish red tail with white tip. The females have also dark brown tail but they have also dark black bars. The American kestrel generally preys lizards, tiny mammals, tiny birds, bats and rodents. The vocalization of American kestrel involves “ki-ki-ki” or “klee-klee”. Before diving on its prey the American kestrel flutters its wings in a rapid speed. In the breeding season the female American kestrel lays four-7 eggs and the pair incubates the eggs for a single month.

Despite the fact that American kestrel, the sparrow hawk falls under the least concern category as they are identified in abundance in America. However their population is below the threat of decline due to the deforestation of Longleaf Pines from the agricultural lands and grassy zones.