American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
A small falcon of open habitats, including grasslands, farms, deserts, roadsides, and city edges with scattered perches. It hunts insects, small mammals, lizards, and small birds by watching from a perch or hovering into the wind before dropping on prey. Adults use fast wingbeats, sharp turns, and hooked talons rather than raw size to win fights. A notable trait is the ability to see ultraviolet markings, which can help locate rodent trails marked by urine.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- American Kestrel Hatchling
- ?
- American Kestrel