American Kestrel
Family: Falconidae
Average annual sightings on Hawk Hill: 375; Hawk Hill sightings throughout the season
Total banded by GGRO as of 2018: 1483
ID BASICS
Size: length 10.5 inches; wingspan 23 inches; jay size
Key Field Marks: small rusty falcon (compare Merlin); moustache and sideburns; dark tail—sometimes with thin light bands
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Male: blue-gay wings, brick-red tail with black subterminal band
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Female: rusty/black-barred wings, rusty/black-barred tail
Flight: steady flapper, hovers while foraging
(Average annual sightings based on 2006-2017 data; 2010 and 2013 data not included due to partial seasons)
Female American Kestrel
Ryan Bourbour/GGRO Volunteer
A GGRO volunteer prepares to release a male American Kestrel after banding
Jennifer Gale/GGRO Volunteer
Female American Kestrel tail
Ryan Bourbour/GGRO Volunteer