American Kestrel Population Decline Raises Calls for Conservation Efforts for North America's Smallest Falcon

The latest research report showed that the American Kestrel population suffered from population declines, including the smallest falcons breeding nest and conservation regions.

Researchers have been looking into the potential causes of North America's smallest falcon population decline, ensuring that the bird population would not decrease.

The research is Evidence of Continuing Downward Trends in American Kestrel Populations and Recommendations for Research into Causal Factors. It was published in the Journal of Raptor Research.

American Kestrel population decline

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Kestrel is also known as Falco Sparverius.

The report explained that the American Kestrel could measure an average reaching nine to 12 inches.

Furthermore, All About Birds reported that the American Kestrel could be around the size of a Mourning Dove.

The said bird color patterns could look like brown and black patterns, adding that the male has a blue-looking wing, while the female has a reddish-brown-looking wing.

The said species' diet includes mice, insects, snakes, frogs, bats and lizards. In addition, the American Pestrels can be found in parts of Alpine Meadows, grassland and deserts.

According to the research, the report explained that American Kestrels showed levels of decline, noting the number of the said falcons in the USGS Breeding Bird Survey had a decreasing pattern since 1966.

Furthermore, the report noted that the American Kestrels declined in 23 of 26 parts of North Ameris's bird conservation regions.

The researchers also noted that the American Kestrels in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary fall migration showed a declining result.

The report was also published on Phys.org's website.

Furthermore, the researchers noted that they also monitored the American Kestrels' distributions, habitat quality and potential impact of climate change.

According to the study, the population decline could be because of habitat loss and degradation.

Changes in the prey for the said birds could also become a concern. As the American Kestrels depend on prey for food, the sudden shift in prey population could significantly impact their survival.

The report published in Canada also showed a decline.

While there are population declines in 23 of 25 conservation regions, as mentioned, the report added that there were population increases in 3 conservation areas.

American Kestrels on the Environment

The researchers also highlighted the importance of raptors in the environment, serving as an indicator of environmental health.

American kestrels also played a significant role in the environment. According to the report, bird conservation is vital in North America.

The population declines of the rare smallest falcon raised the importance of conservation efforts to save it from decline and the brink of extinction.

More facts about American Kestrels

According to Animalia.bio, the article explained that American Kestrels are considered carnivores. The report added could maintain long-lasting bonds with their partner.

The report noted that the American Kestrels could show an attractive and elaborate dive to attract a potential mate.

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