Crécerelle d’Amérique (Falco sparverius) American Kestrel
Description: Wings pointed, tail long, very common. Dove-sized, often perches on electric wires and posts. Hovering flight. Male has reddish back and tail with blue wings. Female is reddish all-over with banding on tail.
Habitat: Open country, fields, and parks.
Size: 23 to 30 cm.
Prey: Field mice, small birds, insects.
This common species in Quebec is one of the rare raptor species in which the male is more colorful than the female. In general, the only difference between the two is that females are bigger. The kestrel can easily be recognized thanks to its hovering.