American Kestrel

American Kestrel

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. It’s range includes all of the lower 48 states of the US and most of Alaska, the southern provinces of Canada, most of Mexico, the Caribbean and the northern and southern thirds of South America. It is used in falconry and can take down birds up to twice its size. Though similar in appearance to Eurasian and African kestrels, according to DNA tests, it is not as genetically close to them as it is to the Aplomodo, Peregrine and Prairie Falcons.

Family: Falcons