![]() ![]() Unlike many other raptors, Kestrels exhibit sexually dimorphic plumage. Identification Like other falcons, Kestrels have long, pointed wings and long tails.Ĭompared with its larger cousins the Merlin and Peregrine Falcon, the Kestrel has less powerful wingbeats, and appears more buoyant in flight. However, recent habitat changes including urbanization, suburbanization, and reforestation have the potential to reduce the amount of available habitat for the species. Historically, Kestrels have benefited from agricultural development. The species readily adapts to human-modified environments, and is frequently seen in pastures and parklands perched along the road. Kestrels can be found in most open habitats with adequate cavities for nesting and perches for hunting. They are the smallest and most widespread falcons in North America. The American kestrel occurs throughout the Western Hemisphere from Alaska and Canada to southernmost South America. Kestrels are conspicuous, colorful, open-habitat birds of prey about the size of a Mourning Dove. An American kestrel is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America and is one of the best known, most frequently observed, and readily identifiable raptors in North America.Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been erecting nestboxes for Kestrels in the Kempton Valley since the early 1950s.In winter, female Kestrels hunt in more open, less wooded areas, than do.In North America, male Kestrels winter farther north than do female kestrels.Some Kestrels migrate long distances while others do not migrate at all.Do not build their own nests, but instead nest in cavities made by other birds, and in nestboxes built by humans.Male and female American Kestrels can be told apart by their plumage as early as three weeks of age.Male American Kestrels have blue-gray wings females have brown wings.Because of their small size and habit of perching on utility lines, American Kestrels are often mistaken for Mourning Doves.Occur from Tierra del Fuego in southern South America, to the boreal forests of Alaska and Canada.Belong to the family Falconidae, a group of 60 species of caracaras, falconets, pygmy falcons, forest falcons, and falcons. ![]()
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