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Raptor Index Page

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

For more information on Falcons, go to ENature.com