American Kestrel; Wikipedia
The SBLC protects thousands of acres of habitat that is perfect "home turf" for the American Kestrel, North America's smallest falcon. Next year, we hope to start a program of American Kestrel nesting boxes at our Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve in northern Bay and Arenac Counties. Here is what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has to say about one of our favorite native birds:
Formerly known as the Sparrow Hawk, the American Kestrel is the smallest, most numerous, and most widespread North American falcon. Of the 13 kestrel species that occur throughout the world, it is the only one found in the Western Hemisphere, where as many as 17 subspecies are recognized from Alaska and Canada to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. This colorful falcon is sexually dichromatic: the male has blue-gray wings and a rufous tail with a single broad subterminal black band, while the wings and tail of the female are rufous with black bars across their lengths. There is considerable individual variation in plumage. The species also exhibits sexual size dimorphism, with the female about 10% heavier than the male.
The American Kestrel inhabits open areas covered by short ground vegetation where it hunts mostly from perches, frequently from utility wires along roadside berms, but also by hovering, especially when suitable perches are lacking. A hovering bird faces into the wind, with head apparently fixed in space, while the wings alternately flap and glide and the tail constantly adjusts to each eddy in the breeze. It feeds on arthropods and small vertebrates, usually capturing these on the ground, although some individuals become proficient at capturing insects and small birds in flight. The kestrel is attracted to human-modified habitats, such as pastures and parkland, and often is found near areas of human activity, including some heavily developed urban areas.
This falcon is a secondary cavity nester, using woodpecker-excavated or natural cavities in large trees, crevices in rocks, and nooks in buildings and other structures. The availability of suitable cavities appears to limit its populations in many parts of the breeding range. The species readily uses artificial nest boxes, and there is increasing public interest in participating in nest-box programs. (like the one SBLC will start nest season! Let us know if you would like to volunteer!)
Formerly known as the Sparrow Hawk, the American Kestrel is the smallest, most numerous, and most widespread North American falcon. Of the 13 kestrel species that occur throughout the world, it is the only one found in the Western Hemisphere, where as many as 17 subspecies are recognized from Alaska and Canada to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. This colorful falcon is sexually dichromatic: the male has blue-gray wings and a rufous tail with a single broad subterminal black band, while the wings and tail of the female are rufous with black bars across their lengths. There is considerable individual variation in plumage. The species also exhibits sexual size dimorphism, with the female about 10% heavier than the male.
The American Kestrel inhabits open areas covered by short ground vegetation where it hunts mostly from perches, frequently from utility wires along roadside berms, but also by hovering, especially when suitable perches are lacking. A hovering bird faces into the wind, with head apparently fixed in space, while the wings alternately flap and glide and the tail constantly adjusts to each eddy in the breeze. It feeds on arthropods and small vertebrates, usually capturing these on the ground, although some individuals become proficient at capturing insects and small birds in flight. The kestrel is attracted to human-modified habitats, such as pastures and parkland, and often is found near areas of human activity, including some heavily developed urban areas.
This falcon is a secondary cavity nester, using woodpecker-excavated or natural cavities in large trees, crevices in rocks, and nooks in buildings and other structures. The availability of suitable cavities appears to limit its populations in many parts of the breeding range. The species readily uses artificial nest boxes, and there is increasing public interest in participating in nest-box programs. (like the one SBLC will start nest season! Let us know if you would like to volunteer!)
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