The American kestrel hunts by hovering in the air with rapid wing beats or perching and scanning the ground for prey. Its diet typically consists of grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and small birds (e.g. sparrows).
Top facts. 1  The American kestrel is the only kestrel in the western hemisphere. 2  The American kestrel is America’s smallest falcon. 3  There are thought to be 17 different subspecies of the American kestrel, each varying in colour and size. Not only is the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) one of the most abundant raptors in the Americas, but this diminutive bird of prey is also the only kestrel in the western hemisphere. This colourful kestrel displays marked sexual dimorphism, and there is also considerable variation between individuals. Audio. The American kestrel is usually found in close proximity to open fields, either perched on a snag or telephone wire or hovering in search of prey. The typical falcon-shaped wings are slim and pointed; the tail long and square-tipped. Sexes are of similar size.  The American kestrel hunts by hovering in the air with rapid wing beats or perching and scanning the ground for prey. Its diet typically consists of grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and small birds (e.g. sparrows). The American kestrel's scientific name, Falco sparverius, was given by Carolus Linnaeus in his 18th century work Systema Naturae. The genus refers to the falcate, or hooked, shape of the beak, and the specific name means pertaining to a sparrow, referring to the bird's small size and occasional hunting of sparrows. INTERESTING FACTS. 1  The American Kestrel is the most common falcon in North America. 2  Nestlings squirt their feces onto the walls of the nest cavity. 3  The females arrive first on their winter range and establish their territories in the preferred open areas. 4  A group of kestrels are collectively known as a  flight,  hover, and soar of kestrels.  American kestrels (Falco sparverius) are widespread throughout North and South America, they can be found from Alaska to the southern tip of South America. They are permanently found in 35 U.S states, the Gulf of California, northwest and central Mexico, and every country in South America except Brazil.  Seventeen subspecies of the American kestrel are recognized, generally based upon plumage, size, and vocalizations: 1  F. s. sparverius, described by Linnaeus in 1758, is the nominate subspecies. 2  It is found in most of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The American kestrel's scientific name, Falco sparverius, was given by Carolus Linnaeus in his 18th century work Systema Naturae. The genus refers to the falcate, or hooked, shape of the beak, and the specific name means pertaining to a sparrow, referring to the bird's small size and occasional hunting of sparrows. The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), sometimes colloquially known as the sparrow hawk, is a small falcon, and the only kestrel found in the Americas. It is the most common falcon in North America, and is found in a wide variety of habitats. At 19–21 cm (7–8 in) long, it is also the smallest falcon in North America. The American kestrel's scientific name, Falco sparverius, was given by Carolus Linnaeus in his 18th century work Systema Naturae. The genus refers to the falcate, or hooked, shape of the beak, and the specific name means pertaining to a sparrow, referring to the bird's small size and occasional hunting of sparrows. 1 The American kestrel is America’s smallest falcon. 2  There are thought to be 17 different subspecies of the American kestrel, each varying in colour and size. 3  The American kestrel is found throughout the Americas in almost every type of habitat. 4  Its population and range are increasing. Not only is the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) one of the most abundant raptors in the Americas, but this diminutive bird of prey is also the only kestrel in the western hemisphere. This colourful kestrel displays marked sexual dimorphism, and there is also considerable variation between individuals. 1 The American kestrel is the only kestrel in the western hemisphere. 2  The American kestrel is America’s smallest falcon. 3  There are thought to be 17 different subspecies of the American kestrel, each varying in colour and size. 4  The American kestrel is found throughout the Americas in almost every type of habitat. Not only is the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) one of the most abundant raptors in the Americas, but this diminutive bird of prey is also the only kestrel in the western hemisphere. This colourful kestrel displays marked sexual dimorphism, and there is also considerable variation between individuals. American Kestrel. The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small falcon found in North and South America. Often referred to as the sparrow hawk, American kestrels are the smallest falcons in the Americas, as well as the only kestrel. They are also extremely numerous, with an estimated 4 million living on the two continents. 
http://www.arkive.org/american-kestrel/falco-sparverius/ http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birding/american-kestrel/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_kestrel http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/58/_/American_Kestrel.aspx http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Falco_sparverius/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_kestrel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_kestrel http://www.arkive.org/american-kestrel/falco-sparverius/ http://www.arkive.org/american-kestrel/falco-sparverius/ http://www.thejunglestore.com/American-Kestrel_Facts
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