Utah Bird Profile Bird Name

Utah Bird Profile
American Kestrel - Falco sparverius

Name roots: (L. falx, "sickle" - talons & beak) (L. sparverius, "pertaining to a sparrow")

In Utah:

A common permanent resident of the state

by Jim Huddle

Nesting,
feeding,
characteristic behavior:

Nests in a snag or in a cliff at a height of 12-80 feet, in a natural cavities and woodpecker holes, providing no nesting materials. Lays 3-7 pink eggs with dark markings. This species is not a cowbird host. During the breeding season, this species is an insectivore: air hawker; carnivore: ground hawker.. During the non-breeding seasons this species is a carnivore: ground hawker.
Dives from a perch or hover to catch mice, voles or birds. Also eats insects. Often bobs tail as it perches.

Article: Population Trend

Habitat:

Rural and urban areas near open fields -- very widespread.
Breeds in Utah in lowland riparian and agriculture habitats.

How to find:

Look on wires or branches overlooking open field and orchards. They may also be hovering over the fields.

| USGS Profile (Geological Survey) | US Winter Range Map | US Summer Range Map |

Occurrence:

(See Legend)

Abbreviations | References | Legend