Kelly
(American kestrel)
Falco sparveruis
Kestrels, sometimes called sparrow hawks, are actually a kind of falcon. They are one of the smallest and most common falcons found in the Central Valley. They are close to 11 inches tall with a wingspan of 1 ˝ to 2 feet. Their body coloration varies with gender. The males have blue-gray wings, reddish brown backs and tails, and light-colored chests and abdomens. The females are duller in color, lacking the bluish wings, but are speckled and barred creating a camouflaged effect. Both have striking black markings on each side of their faces. Their prey ranges from rodents to small birds. As with most falcons, they can fly very quickly in pursuit of birds. They also can hover over prey like a kite. Their vocalization is an easily distinguishable feature—a chattering, scolding call.
Kelly was handled as a fledgling by people for quite awhile before being handed over to Critter Creek. Despite efforts to put him together with other kestrels, he continued to be habituated to humans. He shares a mew with Friendly, our other permanent kestrel. We hope they will exhibit kestrel behaviors despite sharing their attraction to humans.