Bird of the week 2023 | Week 17

American kestrel [MichaelWarren.com]

American kestrel [MichaelWarren.com]

American kestrel

The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, about the size of a dove. It lives year-round in Marion County. It looks cute and colorful, but it’s a fierce hunter. It’s often seen perching on power lines or telephone poles, watching for prey. It also hunts by kiting or hovering in place before dropping in for the kill. This one is a resident of the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.