American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk)

The American Kestrel is North America's smallest and most common falcon, known for its striking rufous and slate-blue plumage, distinctive facial markings, and habit of hovering in mid-air.

Rich rufous-chestnut base coloration with clean dark transverse barring.

Pennaceous structure with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, featuring minimal plumulaceous base.

Smooth, firm vane with a matte finish and a moderately stiff texture.

Rich rufous-chestnut color combined with distinct dark cross-barring and small size characteristic of a small falcon.

Open country, grasslands, pastures, desert scrub, and agricultural areas with sparse trees or utility poles.

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

Acts as an important avian predator controlling populations of large insects and small rodents in open ecosystems.

Merlin and other small falcons or sharp-shinned hawks, distinguished primarily by warmer rufous tones and barring patterns.

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

Good condition with minor wear at the tip, fully intact barbs, and no apparent parasite damage.