American Kestrel (Falco sparveríus)

It inhabits much of America, from Canada to Tierra del Fuego. It is a widely used bird in falconry. It is one of the few species of raptors with evident sexual dimorphism, even in juvenile plumage.

The males, as usual among the diurnal raptors, are smaller than the females; their adult plumage has both, the wing coverts and tail of a reddish hue barred in black.

It is often observed alone or in pairs; they do not form social groups although they can be grouped during migration.

Habitat:

Open fields, farmland, cities, and forest edges. It inhabits all kinds of open or semi-open environments, from felled forests to farmland and deserts, as long as it finds the right prey and high places to perch. During the breeding season, it is limited to habitats that also offer suitable nesting sites. In winter, females are more likely to be found in more open habitats than males.

Diet:

Mostly large insects and also some mammals, birds, and small reptiles. Grasshoppers are one of their preferred prey, but they also hunt many other large insects, such as beetles, dragonflies, moths, caterpillars, etc. They also feed on small mammals (such as moles, mice, and sometimes bats), small birds (sometimes up to the size of a quail), lizards, worms, spiders, crayfish, etc.

Resident bird, with year-round sighting most likely in winter and spring.

Location:

It is mainly located in the boulevard area and near the estuary.