The Smallest Falcon

As a volunteer with the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with some amazing creatures such as the adorable American Kestrel! These lovely little falcons are part of our educational programs, and I’ve been trained to handle them with care. We currently have two kestrels, a male and a female, who came to us from a raptor trainer. Since they can’t survive in the wild on their own, we provide them with a safe and loving home.

Now, let’s talk about why these birds are so fascinating! While there’s some debate about whether the American Kestrel is the smallest raptor (Screech Owls might give them a run for their money), it’s officially the smallest falcon in North America. Sadly, they’re considered a threatened species, with their numbers declining. The exact cause isn’t entirely clear, but it might be linked to insecticide use, as their main diet consists of large insects. These tiny hunters also prey on small rodents, lizards, earthworms, and even bats!

If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, you’ll likely see them perched on telephone wires above farm fields, scanning for their next meal. And did you know they can fly up to 60 mph? Talk about speed! Another fun fact: male and female kestrels look different. The beautiful bird I’m holding in the photos is a female named Freya, a nod to the Vikings who held kestrels in high regard. When it’s time to nest, these falcons prefer cozy holes in dead trees which is nature’s version of a tiny home!

Want to learn more or get involved? Go to Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center!

Photo taken at Songbird Festival in Annapolis Maryland