American Kestrel Images, Facts and Information:
Falco sparverius
- The American Kestrel is the smallest and most colorful falcon species of North America.
- The male and female are alike in shape but different in coloration, the male has slate-blue wings and head that contrast nicely with his rusty back and tail and the female has those same rusty tones on her back, wings and tail. The female also has a barred pattern on her back, wings and tail. Both the male and female have boldly patterned heads.
- They hunt mainly for insects and small mammals but will take a small bird when they have the chance. American Kestrels usually capture their prey on the ground but they will also catch prey on the wing.
- Their habitat includes, open meadows, grasslands, deserts, road sides, towns, cities and farmlands.
- American Kestrels are cavity nesters. They lay between 3 to 7 eggs which take 26 to 32 days to hatch. The female is the primary incubator but males will also incubate on occasion.
- A common nickname for American Kestrels is “Sparrow Hawk”.
- A group of falcons can be called a “bazaar”, “eyrie”, “stooping up” and a “tower” of falcons.
- American Kestrels live between 10 to 15 years.
I hope you enjoy viewing my American Kestrel photos.
American Kestrel male standing on one foot
Title: American Kestrel male standing on one foot
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 2/8/2017
Male American Kestrel in northern Utah
Title: Male American Kestrel in northern Utah
Location: Box Elder County, Utah
Date: 1/13/2017
Pale-chested American Kestrel in Box Elder County
Title: Pale-chested American Kestrel in Box Elder County
Location: Box Elder County, Utah
Date: 1/13/2017
Male American Kestrel landing with a grasshopper
Title: Male American Kestrel landing with a grasshopper
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 11/7/2016
Male American Kestrel with prey on a snowy winter day
Title: Male American Kestrel with prey on a snowy winter day
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 2/3/2016
Male American Kestrel on a frosty nest box
Title: A male American Kestrel on a frosty nest box
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 1/11/2016
Male American Kestrel taking off from a nest box
Title: Male American Kestrel taking off from a nest box
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 10/26/2015
American Kestrel male checking out a nest box
Title: American Kestrel male checking out a nest box
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 10/26/2015
Male American Kestrel inside a nest box
Title: Male American Kestrel inside a nest box
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 10/26/2015
American Kestrel male perched on an antennae
Title: American Kestrel male perched on an antennae
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 1/2/2015
Male American Kestrel perched on an antennae
Title: Male American Kestrel perched on an antennae
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 1/2/2015
Female American Kestrel on a snowy Waterfowl sign
Title: Female American Kestrel on a snowy Waterfowl sign
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/26/2014
Female American Kestrel on a rusty perch
Title: Female American Kestrel on a rusty perch
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/15/2013
Female American Kestrel lifting off from a rusty metal strap
Title: Female American Kestrel lifting off from a rusty metal strap
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/15/2013
Female American Kestrel and her prey on a low light day
Title: A female American Kestrel and her prey on a low light day
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/8/2013
Fluffed up female American Kestrel in low light
Title: Fluffed up female American Kestrel in low light
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/8/2013
Female American Kestrel with Pipit feathers on her bill
Title: Female American Kestrel with Pipit feathers on her bill
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/8/2013
Female American kestrel and her prey on rusty old metal
Title: Female American kestrel and her prey on rusty old metal
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/8/2013
Female American Kestrel dropping her prey
Title: Female American Kestrel dropping her prey (dead American Pipit)
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/8/2013
Female American Kestrel getting her balance back
Title: Female American Kestrel getting her balance back
Location: Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, Utah
Date: 12/8/2013