Falco sparverius
Willow has a severe wing injury and cannot fly. She runs, climbs, and jumps to get around her enclosure. Her rescuers took her to Great Basin Wildlife Rehabilitation in 2021 after finding her on the ground. Because her wing is not repairable, she will live in captivity. She is part of the Ogden Nature Center Outreach program and helps educators to teach people about American Kestrels. Willow was injured as an adult, so we do not know her age.
- Weight: 3-6 ounces
- Wingspan: 21-24 inches
- Lifespan in the Wild: 2-7 years
- Lifespan in Captivity: 12 years
Fascinating Facts:
American Kestrel populations are declining due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition for food from other species that have moved to Kestrel territory because of their own displacement due to habitat loss. Studies show that the invasive European Starling is taking over Kestrel nesting cavities leaving no cavities for the Kestrels to nest. American Kestrels will live in neighborhoods and hunt songbirds that hang out at bird feeders.
