The Kestrel Hawk: A Bird of Intensity and Beauty

The American Kestrel is a small but fierce bird of prey that packs a big punch. With its slate-blue head and wings contrasting elegantly with its rusty-red back and tail, it's one of the most colorful raptors around. The male brings food to the female on the nest and may even sit on eggs while she's eating, showing his caring side.

In just 30-35 days, the female incubates the eggs, and after about 3-4 weeks, the young kestrels move out of their nest onto nearby branches. They can fly at around 5-6 weeks old. The male remains near the young for the first week or two after they hatch, bringing food to the nestlings while the female feeds them.

One of the key sounds associated with the American Kestrel is its sharp, electric 'peent' call. This sound is often the first clue that a kestrel is overhead. The bird's vocalizations are also an important way to identify it. In fact, studies have shown that kestrels prefer large nest boxes over small ones, and that their interior cavity dimensions can vary quite a bit.

When hunting, the American Kestrel has several tactics up its sleeve. It may fly rapidly among trees or low over the ground, threading its way around obstacles to catch prey by surprise. Alternatively, it may perch inside foliage and wait for small birds to approach, or sneak up on them stealthily before bursting into swift flight to capture its quarry.

The American Kestrel's unique plumage features a bluish-white fading to white with brown blotches and washes. The entrance to its nest is typically between 5.6 and 8.4 cm in diameter, and the interior cavity dimensions can vary significantly.

Whether it's flying in graceful loops or perched on a branch, the American Kestrel is a bird of intensity and beauty that is sure to captivate anyone who sees it. Its small size belies its fierce hunting prowess, making it a fascinating sight to behold.

Kestrel hawk sounds