American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Animal Class: Birds

Length: around 8-12 inches

Weight: around 3-6 ounces

Lifespan: 2-5 years, but can live more than 10 years in professionally managed care

Diet: insects, small lizards, rodents, and birds

Habitat: a variety of habitats in North and South America

Description: The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. It’s also known as a sparrow hawk, grasshopper hawk, or killy hawk (for its shrill cry). It’s a fairly colorful bird, with shades of black, blue, gray, red, white, and yellow.

They prefer open areas such as grasslands, meadows, and deserts, close to trees, for hunting and nesting. Northern birds may migrate south for winter. 

American kestrels hunt during the day, usually taking its prey to the ground. Like some other birds, American kestrels can see in ultraviolet light, which helps them hunt.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Our Animals: Kree. This animal is an ambassador animal.