American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk)

The American Kestrel is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. Known for its striking plumage, rusty back and tail, and characteristic head markings, it is a fierce and agile hunter of insects and small rodents.

Rich rufous-chestnut base with striking horizontal black bars, a prominent broad subterminal black band, and a white tip

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules along the upper portion, transitioning to slightly looser semiplume-like structure near the base

Slender, white to pale greyish-brown flexible central rachis with fine, evenly spaced barbs angled sharply outward

Smooth, slightly glossy vane surface with a firm, flexible texture typical of raptor tail feathers

Tail (retrix), likely one of the central rectrices due to the prominent symmetrical barring pattern

Distinctive rufous-chestnut coloration with bold black horizontal bars, a broad subterminal black band, and a distinct white tip on a tail feather

Open country, grasslands, pastures, desert scrub, agricultural fields, and urban/suburban edge habitats with sparse trees or perches

Widespread throughout North and South America, ranging from northern Alaska and Canada down to Tierra del Fuego

Acts as an important predator controlling insect and small rodent populations in grassland and agricultural ecosystems

Merlin or Sharp-shinned Hawk, but distinguished by the vibrant rufous coloring and distinct horizontal black barring unique to kestrel tail feathers

American kestrels can see ultraviolet light, which allows them to track urine trails left by voles and mice in the grass

Historically used in traditional falconry by beginners and practiced falconers for hunting small prey like grasshoppers and small birds

Look near open grassy fields, utility wires, and nest boxes during late summer and autumn molt periods

Good condition, showing minor wear at the very tip but generally intact barbs and a strong rachis