American Kestrel
A migratory raptor of Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
Cernícalo americano, Cernícalo común, Lili, Camaleón, Falconcito común, Halcón primito, Halcón chitero, Clis-clis, Cuyaya.
Identification: Small, slender falcon with long wings and tail. Males have rich cinnamon back and blue-grey wings, black spotted chest, and a black band near the tip of the tail. Adult females have rusty brown wings and backs spotted with black, barred tail, and light brown barred chest. Juveniles are similar plumage to adults.
Flight behavior: Straight flight with quick fluttery flaps. Solitary flyer during migration, but occasionally soars with other raptors in thermals.
Remarks: In the region, kestrels breed at all elevations in north and northeast Mexico, and in the highlands from central Mexico to Colombia. Three resident populations are found all over the Caribbean islands.
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