Native of the week: American Kestrel

Species: American kestrel

Scientific name: Falco sparverius

Nicknames: Sparrow hawk

Claim to fame: The American kestrel is known among birders as being North America’s most colorful raptor. In birding circles, it is also known as the continent’s smallest falcon (approximately the size of a robin). It is the only falcon or hawk to nest in cavities. On a more local level, the American kestrel is Missouri’s most abundant falcon.

Species status: American kestrels are common residents of Missouri throughout the year. Over the past century, the deforestation of many parts of the country has helped this bird by providing increased hunting areas. It’s thought that use of pesticides may have hurt kestrel numbers in some parts of its range, but overall, the population seems to be holding steady.

First discovered: The first scientific description of the American kestrel in 1758 by the famed naturalist Carl Linnaeus.

Family matters: American kestrels belong to the bird family Falconidae, a group commonly known as the caracas and falcons. Within this family, American kestrels belong to the sub-family Falconinae, a group usually known as the falcons. Birds in this group are usually stream-lined birds of prey with pointed wings and longish tails.

Length: 9 to 12 inches

Diet: Mice, shrews, rats, gophers, ground squirrels, young rabbits, bats and other small mammals comprise around 70 percent of the kestrel’s diet. Approximately 20 percent of a kestrel’s diet is insects, with grasshoppers being a preferred item. Kestrels hunt from a conspicuous perch and can be observed hovering, on occasion, too. In addition to their natural setting, kestrels can commonly be seen sitting on telephone poles and power lines. In some areas, it has been observed hunting along the edge of grassfires, snatching prey as they try to escape the flames.

Weight: three to seven ounces

Distinguishing characteristics: Males have a bright rufous (brownish-red) back with some black bars, a bright rufous tail and bluish-gray wings. Females are brown, barred with black on the back and tail and have a buff-colored breast laced with brownish streaks. The flight of a kestrel is graceful and rapid. The call of the kestrel is a “klee” or “killy” delivered in a rapid series; a long “whine” or a “chitter.”

Life span: around 11 years

Habitat: Kestrels can be found in both rural and urbanized areas. Their habitats include open fields, forest edges, prairies, parks and road corridors.

Life cycle: In Missouri, nesting usually begins in March. A clutch of four to six eggs is laid in early April. As stated above, American kestrels are the only North American falcon or hawk to nest in cavities. They nest in natural cavities and sometimes in the eaves of barns and out-buildings. They also nest in specially constructed nest boxes. The female does most of the incubating for 28 to 30 days while the male hunts for her. Young fledge from nest in 28 to 30 days.