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Loons on Squam Lake

Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco
Species: F. sparverius

Fast Facts

KestrelLifespan: only 3% live longer than 4 years in the wild (banding record 14 years 8 months)
Size: 20-25 inch wingspan; weight male 3.5-4 ounces, weight female 4.25 ounces
Eggs Laid: 4-5 eggs
Flight Speed: 22-39 mph
Status: Locally common throughout New Hampshire

What does the American Kestrel look like?
The Kestrel is the smallest, most common falcon in North America. It has a small bullet-like head marked with a black and white pattern and moustache-like marks on the sides. The Kestrel’s wings are slim and pointed colored blue-gray on males and brown on females. The back of the bird is a reddish-brown color.

Where are American Kestrels found, and what is their habitat?
American Kestrels are found throughout the United States and into Canada. Some northern populations migrate south for the wintertime. This bird is often seen along the edges of fields and roadsides. It prefers semi-open country, such as open fields that border woodlands.

How does the American Kestrel hunt and what is its prey?
The Kestrel has more than one hunting method. One is to strike a perched bird by direct high-speed approach, then if this fails to pursue the bird in full flight. Another method is to “hover” above prey by facing the wind and rapidly beating its wings. When it is ready to grab its prey the bird folds its wings and swoops down to snatch it up in its talons. It will also spend time perched high above fields or roadways watching for prey. Kestrels hunt mostly mice and large insects, but will also take bats, small snakes, frogs, earthworms and birds. Kestrels are preyed upon by larger raptors including owls, hawks, and other falcons.

How does the American Kestrel raise its young?
Kestrels nest in holes in trees made by flickers, and sometimes in man-made nest boxes. The female incubates her 4-6 eggs for 29-30 days, while the male brings her food. The young birds take their first flight 30-31 days after hatching, but remain dependant on their parents for food until they learn to hunt on their own.

What special adaptations do they have?  
Kestrels have excellent vision which they depend on to be an efficient diurnal, or daytime hunter. Like all raptors the Kestrel uses its sharp talons to capture and kill prey. Additionally, it has a curved, pointed beak which is used to tear apart prey into smaller pieces. Although small, this bird exhibits noisy and aggressive behavior towards other raptors to protect its territory.

Fun Facts!

  • Falcons are like the race cars of the raptors. American Kestrels can fly at speeds up to 39 mph.
  • Peregrine Falcons can fly horizontally at 55 mph, however, their dives have been clocked at over 200 mph!

Mammals

American Mink
American Mink
Black Bear
Black Bear
Bobcat
Bobcat
Coyote
Coyote
Fisher
Fisher
Gray Fox
Gray Fox
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Red Fox
Red Fox
River Otter
River Otter
White-footed Mouse
White-footed Mouse
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer

Birds

Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Goshawk
Goshawk
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture

Reptiles and Amphibians

American Bullfrog
American Bullfrog
Gray Tree Frog
Gray Tree Frog
Green Frog
Green Frog
Painted Turtle
Painted Turtle
Spotted Turtle
Spotted Turtle

Fish

Brook Trout
Spotted Turtle
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
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