American kestrel

bird

Also known as: Falco sparverius, sparrow hawk

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July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small bird of prey, common throughout North and South America. It is also known as the sparrow hawk in the United States.12

These birds are known for their hunting technique of hovering in place while scanning the ground for prey, which includes large insects, birds, and small mammals. The American kestrel measures about 12 inches (30 cm) in length. Its plumage is white or yellowish on the underside, with reddish-brown and slate-gray coloration on the upperparts, and distinctive colorful markings on its head. Kestrels exhibit sexual color dimorphism, with males being more colorful than females.12

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kestrel
…birds, but one species, the American kestrel (F. sparverius), called sparrow hawk in the United States, is common throughout the Americas. The American kestrel is about 30 cm (12 inches) long, white or yellowish below and reddish brown and slate gray above, with colourful markings on the head.
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…birds, but one species, the American kestrel (F. sparverius), called sparrow hawk in the United States, is common throughout the Americas. The American kestrel is about 30 cm (12 inches) long, white or yellowish below and reddish brown and slate gray above, with colourful markings on the head.
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falconry
Types of birds used in falconry
such as goshawks or sparrowhawks—usually hunt from trees, or directly from the gloved fist of the falconer. Finally, the broadwinged group includes eagles and buzzards. The broad wing-bases enable them to soar and they are best suited to hunting in rolling countryside and mountainous terrain, although buzzards can also…
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such as goshawks or sparrowhawks—usually hunt from trees, or directly from the gloved fist of the falconer. Finally, the broadwinged group includes eagles and buzzards. The broad wing-bases enable them to soar and they are best suited to hunting in rolling countryside and mountainous terrain, although buzzards can also…
Read More