The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon in North America; length 22-31 cm., wingspan 51-64 cm., adult weight 80-165 grams. Kestrels feed largely on voles, mice, grubs, grasshoppers, various other insects, small birds, snakes, bats, lizards, and squirrels.
3 to 7 eggs (typically 4 to 5) are laid approximately 24 to 72 hours apart. The female or male may incubate the eggs briefly during the laying period. Full incubation begins after all eggs are laid. In about 30 days the eggs begin to hatch. The chicks typically fledge (leave the nest) at about 30 days.
The BELOW PHOTOS will help you determine which sex is currently on the eggs.
BELOW: A few shots of young AMERICAN KESTREL FALCONS .
Nu-Sun Cinema is helping research the American Kestrel by logging all of our Kestrel’s movements in and around our 2 nest boxes.
FEMALE in nest box at night MALE in nest box at night
LEFT Female at nest box door. RIGHT Male at nest box door.