Jeff Wendorff's bird photography portfolio of the American Kestrel, Falco sparverius.
Kestrel Wiki The name kestrel (from French crécerelle, derivative from crécelle, i.e., ratchet) is given to several different members of the falcon genus, Falco. Kestrels are most easily distinguished by their typical hunting behavior which is to hover at the height of around 10–20 meters (35–65 ft) over open country and swoop down on prey, usually small mammals, lizards or large insects. Other falcons are more adapted to active hunting in flight. Also, kestrels are notable for generally having mostly brown in their plumage.
The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), sometimes colloquially known as the Sparrow Hawk, is a small falcon, and the only kestrel found in the Americas. It is the most common falcon in North America and is located in a wide variety of habitats. At 19–21 cm (7–8 in) long, it is also the smallest falcon in North America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and plumage, although both sexes have a rufous back with noticeable barring.
Kestrel Species Photographed American Kestrel, Falco sparverius
Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
Greater Kestrel, Falco rupicoloides
Grey Kestrel, Falco ardosiaceus Collective Noun - Kestrels A group of kestrels can be called a flight, hover, or a soar.
Bird Photography Workshops The kestrels are one of the many species that we may photograph on wildlife photography workshops. You can learn more about my workshops online at
www.wildlifeworkshops.com.