American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest and most colorful falcon, and can be commonly found in Oregon. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have distinct differences in their plumage and size.
General Characteristics (Both Sexes)
Size: Roughly the size of a Mourning Dove, measuring 8.7-12.2 inches (22-31 cm) in length with a wingspan of 20.1-24.0 inches (51-61 cm).
Head: Both sexes have a white face with two prominent black vertical stripes (often called "mustaches" or "sideburns") on each side of their face. They also typically have a slate-blue crown with a small rufous patch on top.
Behavior: Known for perching on wires, poles, and other elevated spots in open country, often bobbing their tails. They hunt by snatching prey from the ground, though some catch prey in flight.
Male American Kestrel in Oregon
Coloration: More colorful and vibrant than the female.
Wings: Distinctive slate-blue (blue-gray) wings with black spots.
Back: Rufous (rusty red) with variable amounts of black barring or spots, particularly on the lower half.
Tail: Mostly rufous with a single wide black band near the tip, bordered by a thin white tip.
Underparts: Pale, ranging from white to reddish-buff, with varying amounts of black spotting or light vertical streaking.
Size: Slightly smaller than the female, though this can be subtle unless they are seen side-by-side. Males typically weigh 2.8-5.0 oz (80-143 g).
Female American Kestrel in Oregon
Coloration: More uniformly reddish-brown or rusty than the male, lacking the prominent slate-blue on the wings.
Wings: Reddish-brown or rusty, often barred with dark brown or black.
Back: Reddish-brown or rusty, typically barred with dark brown.
Tail: Rufous with numerous narrow dark brown or black bars across its width.
Underparts: Creamy to buff with heavier brown streaking.
Size: Larger than the male, usually by about 10-15%. Females typically weigh 3.0-5.8 oz (86-165 g).
Habitat in Oregon
American Kestrels are common in open habitats across Oregon, including: Grasslands, Meadows, Farmlands, Open woodlands, Roadsides, Urban and suburban areas (often seen perched on telephone wires), Deserts and alpine meadows.
They are cavity nesters and will use old nests, tree cavities, or nest boxes.
General Characteristics (Both Sexes)
Size: Roughly the size of a Mourning Dove, measuring 8.7-12.2 inches (22-31 cm) in length with a wingspan of 20.1-24.0 inches (51-61 cm).
Head: Both sexes have a white face with two prominent black vertical stripes (often called "mustaches" or "sideburns") on each side of their face. They also typically have a slate-blue crown with a small rufous patch on top.
Behavior: Known for perching on wires, poles, and other elevated spots in open country, often bobbing their tails. They hunt by snatching prey from the ground, though some catch prey in flight.
Male American Kestrel in Oregon
Coloration: More colorful and vibrant than the female.
Wings: Distinctive slate-blue (blue-gray) wings with black spots.
Back: Rufous (rusty red) with variable amounts of black barring or spots, particularly on the lower half.
Tail: Mostly rufous with a single wide black band near the tip, bordered by a thin white tip.
Underparts: Pale, ranging from white to reddish-buff, with varying amounts of black spotting or light vertical streaking.
Size: Slightly smaller than the female, though this can be subtle unless they are seen side-by-side. Males typically weigh 2.8-5.0 oz (80-143 g).
Female American Kestrel in Oregon
Coloration: More uniformly reddish-brown or rusty than the male, lacking the prominent slate-blue on the wings.
Wings: Reddish-brown or rusty, often barred with dark brown or black.
Back: Reddish-brown or rusty, typically barred with dark brown.
Tail: Rufous with numerous narrow dark brown or black bars across its width.
Underparts: Creamy to buff with heavier brown streaking.
Size: Larger than the male, usually by about 10-15%. Females typically weigh 3.0-5.8 oz (86-165 g).
Habitat in Oregon
American Kestrels are common in open habitats across Oregon, including: Grasslands, Meadows, Farmlands, Open woodlands, Roadsides, Urban and suburban areas (often seen perched on telephone wires), Deserts and alpine meadows.
They are cavity nesters and will use old nests, tree cavities, or nest boxes.