What bird looks like an American kestrel?

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a small, vibrantly colored falcon that is one of the most common and widespread raptors in North America. With its rusty barred back and tail, blue-gray wings, and distinctive black “mustache” markings on the sides of the head, the American kestrel is easily recognizable. However, several other small raptors share the same basic colors and patterning as the kestrel, which can make identification challenging at times. This article will examine the key field marks and behaviors to distinguish the American kestrel from similar-looking species. With a bit of practice, birders can confidently differentiate the kestrel from look-alike birds of prey.

Birds Commonly Confused with American Kestrels

The following birds are most often mistaken for American kestrels due to their smaller size and/or strikingly similar plumage:

• Merlin
• Peregrine falcon
• Prairie falcon
• European kestrel
• Sparrowhawk

These raptors occupy overlapping ranges and habitats with the American kestrel, so it’s not uncommon to see them in proximity. Careful observation is needed to pick out the nuanced differences between these species. Let’s take a closer look at each:

Merlin

Merlins are small falcons that exhibit color variations based on geography. In North America, they are predominately blue-gray above with buff-colored underparts and fine brown streaks. Their tails have narrow brown bars. While merlins are close to the same slim size and shape as kestrels, there are a few key differences:

• Merlins have much less rufous coloration – their backs lack the rusty barred pattern.
• The facial pattern is muted, lacking the bold mustache stripe.
• In flight, merlins display pointed “hand-wings” vs. the more rounded wings of kestrels.
• Merlins are fierce attackers, often seen putting birds to flight. Kestrels primarily capture prey on or near the ground.

Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon is a well-known raptor that exists on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, mature peregrines have blue-gray upperparts and lighter underparts with variable brown spotting or vertical striping. Their size is substantially larger than an American kestrel with longer, more pointed wings. Unique points of difference include:

• Peregrines lack any rufous coloration on the back or tail.
• Their facial pattern has thick moustache and cheek stripes.
• Large peregrines hunt other birds (especially waterfowl) in flight at high speeds.
• Kestrels are most often seen perched or hovering over open country.

Prairie Falcon

Occurring in western North America, the prairie falcon is medium-sized with pale underparts and dark brown upperparts. Their tails are narrowly barred with black. Differentiating factors from kestrels:

• Prairie falcons have unstreaked, cream-colored underparts compared to the kestrel’s buffy chest with black spotting.
• Their facial pattern consists of wide, dark moustache stripes.
• Prairie falcons are larger in stature with longer, more pointed wings.
• These falcons are associated with cliffs and bluffs, while kestrels prefer open habitats.

European Kestrel

As suggested by its name, the European kestrel is native to Europe and Asia. However, a small population has become established in Florida. Their plumage is exceptionally similar to the American kestrel, featuring rufous back and tail, blue-gray wings, and dual facial stripes. The main differences are:

• European kestrels have a black tip at the end of the tail.
• The black malar stripe extends up behind the eye more than on the American.
• The male European has a gray head whereas the male American has a rufous head.

Sparrowhawk

Finally, the sparrowhawk is a small raptor found across temperate Eurasia and parts of Africa. It is an occasional vagrant to Alaska and Canada. In both shape and feather patterns, it closely matches the American kestrel. Key identification points:

• Sparrowhawks have yellow eyes vs. the brown eyes of kestrels.
• Their wings are uniformly dark gray, lacking the black primaries of kestrels.
• They have long, skinny tails relative to kestrels.
• Sparrowhawks flit quickly through dense vegetation when hunting.

As this overview demonstrates, each look-alike species has one or more prominent features that separate them from the American kestrel upon close inspection.

Plumage and Markings

Let’s take a deeper look at the American kestrel’s distinct plumage and markings which aid in its identification:

• Rufous back and tail – The kestrel’s back and tail feathers are a rich, rusty brown color with black barring. The only other common raptor exhibiting this trait is the European kestrel.
• Blue-gray wings – The kestrel’s scapulars and wing coverts are a blue-slate gray. This contrast makes the bird appear two-toned from above.
• Black wing tips – The outer flight feathers are solid black, creating a dark leading wing edge in flight.
• Black “mustache” stripe – This wide black stripe extends down along the cheek from below the eye. It contrasts sharply with the white face.
• Black spotted chest – The buffy peach underparts are adorned with large black spots down the breast.
• White tail band – The kestrel’s tail is tipped with a wide white band which is visible at a distance.

When observed well, the unique mix of colors and patterns eliminates other species. The next section covers behaviors that distinguish kestrels.

Behavior and Habits

In addition to physical appearance, the American kestrel exhibits habits and mannerisms that aid identification:

• Perch hunting – Kestrels frequently scan for prey from an elevated perch like a tree branch, utility line, or fence post.
• Hovering – If prey is spotted, kestrels will often hover 20-40 feet high with quick, stiff wing beats to zero in on the target.
• Open country – Kestrels thrive in open areas like meadows, pastures, grasslands, and marshes. This habitat preference separates them from forest-dwelling accipiters.
• Insectivorous – Kestrels feed largely on insects and small mammals. This differentiates them from the strictly carnivorous peregrine.
• Non-aggressive – American kestrels are typically docile around other birds. Unlike merlins, they do not aggressively chase down other avian species.

Watching a raptor’s hunting style and habitat are helpful clues to differentiate between superficially similar birds like the kestrel.

Range and Distribution

The American kestrel occupies a large range across most of North and South America. Its distribution overlaps broadly with merlins, peregrines, and prairie falcons. However, there are regional differences that aid identification:

The American kestrel can be found year-round through most of the United States and Canada. Seeing one in the East or Southeast makes merlin or peregrine unlikely. The prairie falcon sticks to the arid West. European kestrels occur only in Florida as vagrants from the Old World. Understanding the expected species for your location cuts down on your choices.

Conclusion

While several raptors mimic the colors and shape of the American kestrel, each imposter has key differences in plumage, behavior, habitat preference, or distribution. Learning these subtle distinguishing traits allows observant birders to confidently separate the kestrel from similar species. With practice, identification becomes quick and intuitive. Reference materials like field guides and range maps are also useful for confirming unusual sightings. The American kestrel remains one of the most delightful and recognizable small falcons across the Americas.