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American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

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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

  • Male: blue-gay wings, brick-red tail with black subterminal band

  • 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)

  • American Kestrel
    Female American Kestrel Ryan Bourbour/GGRO Volunteer
  • American Kestrel
    A GGRO volunteer prepares to release a male American Kestrel after banding Jennifer Gale/GGRO Volunteer
  • American Kestrel
    Female American Kestrel tail Ryan Bourbour/GGRO Volunteer