American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
ID Notes 6
The American Kestrel, Falco sparverius, is the smallest and most common falcon in North America, and one of three falcon species found in Western New York. Kestrels are most commonly confused with other falcons due to their similar wing shapes and facial markings. The small size of the kestrel is a clear clue to identification. It is roughly the size of a Blue Jay. In flight, the kestrel has sharp-looking, pointed wings and a slender, long tail. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females exhibiting different color patterns. Adult males are brightly colored, with blue-gray wings and a blue-gray crown, rusty-colored tail, and a rusty back embellished with black barring. Black spots speckle the underparts. Both sexes have two vertical stripes on the face and a black spot on the back of the neck. Adult females are rusty-colored above with black barring, and pale buff below with dark rufous streaks.. Their tail is rust with multiple black bands.
Fontes e Créditos
- (c) Jonathan Eisen, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY), uploaded by Jonathan Eisen
- (c) Tom Murray, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC), https://www.flickr.com/photos/tmurray74/51860847513/
- (c) Jonathan Coffin, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/stonebird/6535768537/
- (c) Stan Lupo, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanlupophotography/50980711541/
- (c) Stan Lupo, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanlupophotography/49619306337/
- Adaptado por Robin Foster de uma obra de (c) Wikipedia, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falco_sparverius
