American kestrel
(Falco sarverius)
Kestrels prefer open fields where they hunt for
insets, reptiles and small rodents. Sharp pointed wings provide these
birds the ability to hover in a fix position while scanning the ground
for movement.
The
peak migration time for the American kestrel in the north eastern
United States occurs in late March (spring) or late September (fall).
This blue jay sized slender bird has a flying silhouette that can be compared to a banana with its long drawn back sickle like wings. In flight the kestrel will flutter about or bounce in the wind. The trailing edges of the wings display a line of peal like dots that resemble a necklace. These dots appear on the underside of the bird as well.
The reddish brown color on the tail extends to
an often blue coloring on the back. Black vertical bars on the head
give this bird the appearance of a mustache.
American
Kestrels have been spotted eating dragonflies while flying.
