Friday, October 3, 2008

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Gender: Female

Acquired: August 31, 2005

From: Back to the Wild, Castalia OH

Disability: Hit by car; damaged left wing

The American Kestrel is the smallest and most colorful member of the falcon family in North America. It is roughly the size of a robin or blue jay, weighing 4 to 6 ounces and measuring 8 to 11" high. It eats bats, rodents, insects, frogs, small reptiles, and birds. Preferred habitats include towns, cities, parks, farmlands, and open country.

The most common falcon in North America, Kestrels are often incorrectly called “sparrow hawks.” Kestrels are the daytime counterparts of screech owls, and the two species will compete heavily for resources like prey and nesting sites.

Life expectancy for the American Kestrel in the wild is 3 to 6 years. In captivity, it can live up to 17 years.

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