American Kestrel Identifying Features

Adult

Photo by Jean Chamberlain
2 vertical black markings on each side of face

top of head bluish gray with rusty center patch

white cheek and chin


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
ocelli spots (fake eyes) surrounded by orange nape


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
tomial tooth in the upper mandible notch in tip of lower mandible


Male

Photo by Jean Chamberlain
rusty back with black marks
bluish gray wings


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
rusty tail with wide black band


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
black primaries with white barring




Female

Photo by Gary Siftar
rusty back and wings with black barring


Photo by Jean Chamberlain
tail marked with black barring


Nestling

Photo by Pat Fisher
dark eyes
pinkish face
tomial tooth (not shown, see adult photo)


Photo courtesy Carolina Raptor Center
long toes



Photo by Eileen Wicker
very small