American Kestrel
American
Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are one of the smallest falcons in
North America. The bird is sleek, swift, predatory and well
camouflaged. Many know it by its other name — the sparrow hawk.
At only nine inches tall, this fierce raptor is capable of
snatching large insects, birds and bats out of the air as well
as rodents and lizards from the ground. Their ability to scan
the ground in almost hover-like motion, their heads
outstretched, in search of a meal make them a formidable
predator.
Like most falcons the American kestrel has characteristic falcon
maskings, often called a hood and moustache. Their short, hooked
beak is built for tearing the flesh of their prey. American
kestrels have long, narrow wings perfectly designed for speed
and maneuverability. They have white on either side of their
face, and a white and black-streaked breast and belly. The
kestrel’s wings are a dark gray-blue with white and black
streaking and spots. They are reddish in color along their backs
and tail, with the same camouflaging dark streaks found on their
wings. Kestrel tail feathers also are banded in black and white.
From the tree lines in Alaska all the way to South America,
American kestrels live in one area year round and do not migrate
like other birds of prey. They will inhabit nearly any terrain
and are very adaptable. They do, however, tend to shy away from
heavily forested areas, often preferring open spaces. American
kestrels can be seen atop telephone wires or barbwire fences,
from which they can swoop down after rodents and grasshoppers.
Kestrels are not social birds until mating season. In mid April
to early June, the males and females will begin pairing up and
sharing joint territories. Females will mate with several
suitors before finally settling on one. Three to seven eggs are
laid, and females take responsibility for most of the
incubation.
Kestrels often build their nests in hollowed logs or old
woodpecker holes. They even build nests in building crevices and
old rodent holes in riverbanks. Kestrel chicks are white or grey
when hatched and grow their first colored coat of feathers three
weeks later. The chicks will leave the nest 30 days after
hatching, but the family will remain together for a few months.
You may spot the aerodynamic acrobatics of the American kestrel
on the hunt nearly anywhere across Oklahoma, so the next time
your at you favorite fishing hole or at the park, take a look
around to see just what may be flying by. You may catch a
glimpse of one of our state’s most interesting predators.