How Do You Spell AMERICAN KESTREL?

1. The American Kestrel, scientifically known as Falco sparverius, is a small to medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the falcon family. It is predominantly found in North and South America, inhabiting various open habitats including grasslands, meadows, deserts, and agricultural areas.

   Measuring around 9-12 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 20-24 inches, the American Kestrel is recognized for its distinct plumage. The adult males exhibit a combination of rusty-red primary feathers, bluish-gray wings, a slate-blue head, and a white to light-gray belly, with noticeable black markings on their face resembling a mustache. On the other hand, adult females possess a more subdued appearance with a rufous-brown back and tail, barred underparts, and dark streaks on their face.

   American Kestrels are known for their exceptional hunting skills. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals including mice, voles, and insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. They have the ability to hover in mid-air, allowing them to locate prey before swiftly diving down to capture it with their sharp talons.

   These birds are also notable for their remarkable vocalizations. Their calls consist of high-pitched whistles, chirps, and screams, often used during territorial displays and courtship rituals. Additionally, American Kestrels are known for their unique nesting behavior, often utilizing tree cavities, abandoned nests of other birds, or human-made structures like nest boxes.

   Due to habitat loss and changes in land use, the American Kestrel population has been declining in some areas. However, conservation efforts such as the provision of suitable nesting sites and preservation of open habitat are being implemented to help ensure the survival of this captivating bird

Common Misspellings for AMERICAN KESTREL

The word "American Kestrel" has its etymology rooted in both Latin and Old English.

The term "kestrel" comes from the Old French word "crescelle", which means a type of ratchet musical instrument. Variations of this word evolved into "castrel" in Middle French and "castrelle" in Old French. These terms referred to a small bird of prey known for its hovering flight. Ultimately, the word "kestrel" was derived from these French words.

The term "American" is derived from the Latin word "Americus", which was coined by the German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller in 1507. He named the newly discovered landmass after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The Latin term "Americus" was later anglicized into "America".