MONTGOMERY-The smallest North American falcon, the Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus), is a nonmigratory subspecies of the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), which is found in early successional habitat with open canopied grassland, much like Alabama’s longleaf pine savannas. Males flaunt colorful blue-gray plumage on their wings and an accented russet coloration on their back, while females are slightly larger and have brownish wings and a muted-brown back. Both males and females have a creamy or buffy-white underside with black flecking, along with a pair of distinct black vertical bars that extend down below the eyes.
Identifying the difference between the Southeastern American Kestrel and the more well-known American Kestrel is nearly impossible with the naked eye. More reliably, the time of year the sighting occurs will indicate the species or subspecies. If the kestrel is seen from March-August, it is likely the Southeastern American Kestrel which is a year-round resident of Alabama and is known to breed in the state. The migrant American Kestrel is only found in Alabama during the winter months, September-February, often seen perched on powerlines searching the ground for prey.
Unique to this falcon species, kestrels are secondary cavity nesters and primarily nest in large dead trees in cavities previously excavated by woodpeckers. Kestrels will also readily use nest boxes. High-quality kestrel habitat must have both suitable foraging and nesting habitat, but unfortunately, these habitats are in decline. Because of this habitat decline, the Southeastern American Kestrel is listed as a species of High Conservation Concern in Alabama. In 2009-2010, ADCNR installed more than 20 nest boxes on public lands in south Alabama to expand nesting opportunities for the Southeastern American Kestrel. Since then, more boxes have been installed and are currently being monitored by biologists in order to gain a better understanding of the bird’s current population status. To report a sighting of a Southeastern American Kestrel or to find designs to build kestrel nest boxes, contact Mercedes Bartkovich.
Media Release/Alabama Outdoor/photo Carrie Threadgill and Billy Pope
