Can you use a Kestrel for falconry?

Falconry is the ancient sport of hunting with trained birds of prey. While many different species can be used for falconry, the most common are large birds like hawks, falcons, and eagles. The American kestrel is the smallest and most common falcon in North America, so it is sometimes used in falconry as well.

What is a Kestrel?

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small falcon, ranging in length from 9-12 inches with a wingspan of 20-24 inches. It is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. Other names for the kestrel include sparrow hawk and grasshopper hawk. Kestrels have blue-gray wings, rusty barred tail feathers, and two vertical black stripes on their white faces. Males have blue-gray wings while females have brown wings with black barring. Kestrels are agile flyers and can hover in place by rapidly flapping their pointed wings. They prefer open habitats like meadows, grasslands, pastures, and parks. Kestrels mainly eat insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are most often seen perched on a wire, post, or branch overlooking an open area while hunting. Kestrels are cavity nesters and do not build their own nests. They use old woodpecker holes and other natural cavities in trees, as well as nest boxes put up specifically for them.

Advantages of Using Kestrels for Falconry

There are several advantages to using a kestrel for falconry compared to larger raptors:

• Small size – Their small size makes them easy to handle, train, and transport.
• Availability – Kestrels are widespread and common across North America.
• Affordability – They are relatively inexpensive to acquire and maintain.
• Non-invasive hunting – As a small falcon, kestrels are less disruptive to songbirds and game than larger raptors would be.
• Beginner friendly – Their size and temperament make kestrels a good choice for beginners learning falconry.
• Adaptable housing – They can be housed in smaller facilities than larger raptors require.

The small size of kestrels allows them to be handled without heavy gloves or protective gear. They can be flown successfully in smaller spaces as well, making them good for urban and suburban areas. Kestrels are easier to train, less expensive to feed, and less intimidating for novice falconers. Their wide availability also makes them relatively easy to obtain.

Disadvantages of Using Kestrels for Falconry

However, there are also some disadvantages to using kestrels compared to larger falconry birds:

• Limited prey – The types of prey a kestrel can take are limited by its small size.
• Fragility – Their small size also makes them more delicate and prone to injury.
• Weather sensitivity – Kestrels are highly sensitive to cold, heat, and precipitation.
• Short flight distance – They cannot be flown at great distances like large falcons.
• Easily lost – It’s easier to lose sight of a kestrel mid-flight compared to a large hawk or falcon.
• Regulations – Some areas prohibit keeping native raptors like kestrels for falconry.

The small size and fragile nature of kestrels also means they require precise care and housing. They are susceptible to stress, injury, and illness if not properly managed. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can quickly become dangerous for kestrels as well. Their short flight distance and tendency to perch low can make it easy to lose track of a kestrel during flight training.

Suitable Prey for Kestrels

Kestrels have limited capabilities as hunters due to their small size. The types of prey they can successfully take include:

• Large insects – Grasshoppers, dragonflies, beetles, etc.
• Small rodents – Mice, voles, shrews, young rats.
• Small birds – Sparrows, starlings, small doves.
• Reptiles – Lizards, small snakes.

Kestrels may attempt to go after slightly larger prey on occasion, but their lightweight bodies and relatively weak talons limit them. Unlike large falcons that can strike down ducks, rabbits, and even small deer, kestrels cannot generate enough force to seriously injure larger animals.

Training a Kestrel for Falconry

Kestrels can be trained for falconry using similar techniques as larger raptors, though their small size requires some modifications. Here are some key aspects of training a kestrel:

• Manning: Getting the bird accustomed to people through daily handling and interaction.
• Weight management: Carefully monitoring the kestrel’s weight to optimize health and performance.
• Lure training: Using a lure mimicking prey teaches the bird to return on command.
• Hacking: Allowing the kestrel to acclimate to the outdoors and return to the falconer for food.
• Flight training: Gradually building up the distance the kestrel will fly to the falconer’s glove.

Manning is especially important with kestrels to get them comfortable being handled. Their light body weight also requires diligent monitoring and maintenance. Getting them to chase and return to a lure is key for successful falconry. Short hacking and flight training periods are best suited for kestrels before progressing to unrestricted free flight.

Ideal Conditions for Flying a Kestrel

When flying a kestrel for falconry, the environmental conditions should be optimized for the bird’s comfort and performance. The ideal conditions include:

• Temperatures between 55-75°F
• Light wind speeds under 15 mph
• Overcast or partly sunny skies
• Low humidity levels
• Short grass to allow the kestrel to see prey

Kestrels are highly susceptible to heat stress and exhaustion. Temperatures over 85°F can be dangerous if the bird cannot cool off. Strong winds make controlled flight more challenging for these lightweight falcons. Bright sun can cause visual problems, so overcast or shaded conditions are better. High humidity exacerbates heat stress issues as well. Grass kept short lets the kestrel easily spot potential rodent or insect prey.

Kestrel Falconry Techniques

Falconers utilize various techniques when hunting with kestrels, taking advantage of their natural behaviors while accommodating their small size:

• Waiting-on: Letting the perched kestrel survey the fields for prey to flush.
• Hovering: Allowing the kestrel to pause midair and scan for prey below.
• Wind-hovering: Using updrafts or slopes, the kestrel hovers without flapping.
• Slips: Slipping the kestrel from the glove towards spotted prey flushing from cover.
• retrieves: Having the kestrel bring small prey items back to the glove.