American Kestrel

Another very common bird to observe and photograph around the resorts on Cayo Coco is the American Kestrel. Not only are North American Kestrels around but Cuba has it's own subspecies. Sometimes I could observe up to six Kestrels while standing in one spot, all actively hunting.

American Kestrel

 

The American Kestrel, also called a Sparrow Hawk, is the smallest falcon in North America.

Males are smaller and more colourful and have blue gray wings, orange tail, and crisp black spotting on the belly. Both male and female have a pair of black slashes on the sides of their pale faces.

Grasshoppers and other insects, as well as mice and small birds, form most of their diet.

American Kestrels usually occupy grasslands and you can find them perched on telephone wires along roadsides.

It’s estimated there are 2.5 million in the United States and Canada although the population is declining. ( Cornell All About Birds )