American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

What They Look Like

The American Kestrel is a small colorful falcon standing 9 inches tall and has a wing span of 20-24 inches making it the smallest falcon in Michigan.  On its beak it has an extra point on each side of the hook.  These are called falcon’s teeth and they help it to kill its prey.  This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning that the male and female look different.  The male has blue-gray wings and a reddish brown tail with a broad black tip.  The female’s wings back and tail are reddish brown, and her tail has thin brown bars.  Both the male and female have two black sideburns on each side of their face. 

Where They Live

This little falcon is common throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan and can be found in just about every habitat.  They make their nests in tree cavities and crevices in buildings and are commonly seen perched on power lines in rural areas.

What They Eat

American Kestrels catch birds and insects on the wing and also eat small mammals.  They are streamlined and are able to out-maneuver many bird species when hunting them.  Their sight is also adapted so that they can see UV patterns from urine left by small mammals which helps them find food.

Things to Know

Before Michigan became settled the American Kestrel was probably uncommon but the clearing of forests has benefited the species.  Because of this no special management is required for them and they have been found nesting many man-made structures including skyscrapers and they are the most abundant falcon in Michigan.

Why We Have One

MUCC received its American Kestrel in August of 1994.  When it was very young it hurt its wing and the people that tried to help it fed it by hand.  This taught the young bird that food comes from people and because of this it cannot be returned to the wild.