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| FALCONS |
| American Kestrel - Killdeer-sized hawk - Rufous back & tail (only hawk like that) - Tails bright rufous with broad, dark band near tip - Both sexes have mustached black & white face pattern. Visible from distance. - Flight pattern light, buoyant, fluttery. Buffeted easily by winds. - Hovers looking for prey on rapidly beating wings - Sits erect with slight lift to tail -Note helmut effect on head |
| Merlin - Small, compact, length of Jay - Mustache, but less distinct than Kestrel - Blue/Gray above - Tail gray, with broad, black bands - Stocky, angular & powerful - Body chestier & heavier than Kestrel - Wings look boldly black & white checkered from below. - Flight is pure & direct: point-to-point. - Wing beats quick, continuous, pistonlike. |
| Peregrine Falcon - Medium size raptor, slightly longer than crow. - Pointed, long wings - Long Tail - Blue/gray above, barred below, pure white chest & throat. - Body heavy & broad - Wing beat fluid, rhythmic, whiplike. - Note hood & mustache effect |
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| American Kestrel copyright Tom Vezo |
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| Falcons: Basic Characteristics - Small to medium raptor, stream-lined - Long, tapered wings, pointed at tip - Generally dark above, barred/streaked below - Face carries mustache/sideburn mark either bold or faint, depending on species - Usually fast, direct flight - Wing beats usually continuous, without glides |
| For more information on Falcons, go to ENature.com |