American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon, measuring not much bigger than a blue jay. This adept predator is well-known for its ability to hover, a behavior that requires an incredible amount of strength. The American Kestrel is the only bird of prey in our area that is sexually dimorphic - the males and females look differently.
Identification: Both sexes have a rusty-colored back and tail accompanied by thick, black vertical bands on the sides of the head. The male has slate-blue colored wings, where the female's wings are reddish brown.
Average Wingspan: 22 inches
Average Weight (female/male): 120 grams / 111 grams
Habitat: Grasslands
Food: Small Animals
Nesting: The American Kestrel is the only cavity-nesting diurnal raptor in Ohio. Where natural tree cavities are not available, this falcon will raise its young in an artificial structure such as in the eaves of a building.
