American Kestrel

Scientific Name: Falco Sparverius

Species Ambassadors:

Falco

Our male American Kestrel came to Blandford in 2011. He had been hit by a car and fractured his right wrist. The bone mended, but he is not able to fully extend his wing for proper flight and would not be able to survive in the wild.

Bobbie

Our female American Kestrel came to Blandford in 2006.  She had flown into a window and permanently damaged her left wing.  She would not be able to hunt for food or escape predators in the wild.

                                                     

Status of the American Kestrel in Michigan

This species is a year-round resident in Michigan.

Vocals

The typical American Kestrel call sounds like: “Kleekleekleeklee”

http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/107973

Habitat

The American Kestrel can live in a wide variety of habitats as long as there are open areas nearby for hunting.

Diet

The American Kestrel eats large insects, mice, small birds, and amphibians. 

The Role of American Kestrels in Our Ecosystem

American Kestrels help keep the populations insects and small mammals that are active during the day in check.

Threats to American Kestrels

Currently, there are no serious threats to American Kestrel populations. 

Interesting Facts

-American Kestrels have a notch on their beak called a “tominal tooth” for easily snapping the     necks of their prey.

-Kestrels hide extra food in grass clumps, bushes, tree cavities and other places for a day           when food is hard to find.