American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Description
American Kestrels are North America's smallest and most widespread falcon. They have a white face with a vertical black facial marking coming down from their eye. The top of their head is blue-gray with a rusty spot on the crown. American Kestrels are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females look very different. Males have blue-gray wings and a rufous tail with one black band at the tip, while females have a rufous tail and wings with black banding across their lengths. Juveniles have the same plumage as adults.
Diet
American Kestrels prey on insects, small rodents, songbirds, small amphibians, reptiles and occasionally small bats.
Migration
These falcons can be found in Colorado year-round.
Breeding
American Kestrels are secondary cavity nesters, using cavities and crevices in trees, buildings, rock or man-made boxes. Four to five eggs are laid per brood, and young leave the nest in about four weeks.
