Does anybody know what kind of bird this is?

[Charlie_K]

I found this little critter early this morning. No idea what it is.

 

[jc57]

American Kestrel. They are small falcons. Feed him mice.

 

[spketch]

Yup, some kestrels nest in our palm tree. Beautiful birds but they make a serious ruckus.

 

[Charlie_K]

Thanks for the help on identifying the critter.

The serious ruckus it's causing right now is coming from all the other birds being unhappy with it being around. All different species are seriously upset, and in close proximity to one another as they scream at it.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Another name for the kestrel is sparrowhawk.

A local fellow who runs a shelter for raptors told me kestrels eat a lot of grasshoppers.

 

[DB731]

Reminds me of this guy.

 

[Charlie_K]

Another name for the kestrel is sparrowhawk.

A local fellow who runs a shelter for raptors told me kestrels eat a lot of grasshoppers.

I'd feed him if it was legal to keep kestrels as pets. Sadly it's not though.

Believe it or not there's a shortage of grasshoppers this year. Pickings are going to be slim for the little nuisance.

 

[gazz98]

Heh looks like they took feathers from 6 different birds in making that coat of feathers for him/her.

 

[trevitrace]

The coloration plus plumage makes me think he's past fledging, not sure why he'd be hanging out at ground level.

Doesn't look like the happiest bird I've seen.

 

[Piso Mojado]

The coloration plus plumage makes me think he's past fledging, not sure why he'd be hanging out at ground level.

Doesn't look like the happiest bird I've seen.

Adult male with his feathers puffed out. Birds puff their feathers for warmth when they sleep and when they are ill. Diurnal birds will sleep during the day when they are ill. No, he doesn't look well. And I don't think he's molting this early in the year.

In modern falconry, American Kestrels are starter birds. They are small and non-intimidating, and you can hunt one in your backyard. The Book of St Albans (1486) said the kestrel was appropriate for low-status males like priests and servants — but that was the European kestrel, a larger bird. European and American Kestrels, both female:

American Kestrels eat many grasshoppers in late summer when grasshoppers are plentiful. Grasshoppers are easier to catch than mice and sparrows, and they are always a welcome treat — especially for captive birds in winter, when they are living on frozen mice.