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Published: 2013-04-06 14:33:54 +0000 UTC; Views: 5154; Favourites: 481; Downloads: 0
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Description
This is Luke, a American Kestrel at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center.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 found in a wide variety of habitats. At 19–21 centimeters (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. Juveniles are similar in plumage to adults.The American Kestrel hunts by hovering in the air with rapid wing beats or perching and scanning the ground for prey. Its diet typically consists of grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and other small birds. It nests in cavities in trees, cliffs, buildings, and other structures. The female lays three to seven eggs, which both sexes help to incubate. It is a common bird to be used in falconry, especially by beginners.Its breeding range extends from central and western Alaska across northern Canada to Nova Scotia, and south throughout North America, into central Mexico and the Caribbean. It is a local breeder in Central America and is widely distributed throughout South America. Most birds breeding in Canada and the northern United States migrate south in the winter. It is an occasional vagrant to western Europe.(via Wikipedia)
Buy a print or a download and all the money I see goes to the Raptor Center for the care of the brids.
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Comments: 32
Quinntus79 [2018-05-06 01:20:12 +0000 UTC]
They had a female Kestrel at the medieval fair in my state. She was a pretty bird, butt the males definitely have a prettier plumage.
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TouchedbyLavender [2016-02-19 18:55:15 +0000 UTC]
What a great close up! Love the colors! This is a beautiful piece!
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KFWisely [2013-12-14 18:35:42 +0000 UTC]
Thoughts before seeing title "Oh my goodness! That baby American Kestrel is so cute!" After "Oh good, and the photographer knew it. "
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Riphath In reply to KnottyMorningWood [2013-11-01 02:18:02 +0000 UTC]
I like them too... this little guy in particular. He was hand reared and imprinted, raises the desire in me to try falconeering when I see him and he is so happy to come to a human and be around them.
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KnottyMorningWood In reply to Riphath [2013-11-01 02:56:05 +0000 UTC]
I've wanted to try falconeering since I was a child. The one you have an image of looks magnificent!
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camelopardalisinblue [2013-04-18 07:03:48 +0000 UTC]
This is gorgeous, and thank you for what you do for birds!
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synconi [2013-04-08 20:53:15 +0000 UTC]
Impeccable plumage, looking so soft and downy. Absolutely adorable
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FluffyLover1986 [2013-04-07 00:16:41 +0000 UTC]
Awwwwwwwwwww ^____________^. So adorable ^_^
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TornFeathers [2013-04-06 22:21:13 +0000 UTC]
Luke is the most adorable butthead, aww.
This is a lovely a photo.
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Riphath In reply to TornFeathers [2013-04-08 07:46:50 +0000 UTC]
He was being a butthead this day too... kept jumping on the mesh right in my face and then back to his perch. I caught him in this shot just as he was turning his head to look back at me to jump at me again. LoL
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IceFlame1019 [2013-04-06 21:45:27 +0000 UTC]
awwww it's so cute!
I love falcons and kestrels x3
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Guard-of-the-Citadel [2013-04-06 18:04:04 +0000 UTC]
I've never seen the Kestrel with this coloration....
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