BREEDING BIRDS: AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

Description: Is a swallow-like falcon, the size of a jay; formerly called Sparrow Hawk. Has russet back and tail with double black stripes on white face; translucent spots on trailing edge of wings are visible from below; males have blue-gray wing coverts. Habitat: Found in open country with scattered trees, near highways and in cities; often perch on telephone wires. Diet: Feed on insects, reptiles and small mammals, hovering over prey before plunging; caches invertebrates, usually in grass clumps. Call: Shrill killy killy killy or a rapid klee klee klee. Nest: Competes with other hole-nesters for nest sites; uses little, if any, nesting material; often uses same nest for second brood. Eggs: Occasionally lavender; usually white/pinkish-white, marked with browns; less than one inch long. Conservation: Kestrels will readily uses nest boxes when they are provided. Breeding bird atlas: To report bird breeding activity in your neighborhood, or to get information on the breeding bird atlas, call Sea and Sage Audubon Society members Sylvia Gallagher, (714) 962-8990, or Nancy Kenyon, (714) 786-3160. Note: Map is divided into 5-kilometer squares so that Audubon Society volunteers can more easily survey areas on a regular basis. Sources: Sea and Sage Audubon Society; “The Birder’s Handbook,” Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Fireside Books (1988); “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” National Geographic Society (1987); “Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution,” Garrett and Dunn, Los Angeles Audubon Society (1981). Indicates 5-kilometer-square areas where breeding activity has been confirmed.