Chiquita
American Kestrel Ambassador
Female
2016 / Adult
Imprinted
About Chiquita
Chiquita was found by a family in Bullhead City who kept her for a week, then took her to the Humane Society. She was transferred from there to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and then to Liberty Wildlife. Upon arriving at Liberty, Chiquita immediately demonstrated signs of imprinting. When placed with other kestrels, she did not show any familiarities with them and showed a preference for her association with staff instead. As an imprint, she was unable to be released and was transferred to the education team.
Chiquita means ‘Little Girl’ in Spanish, even though she is our largest kestrel.
Description
The American kestrel is one of the smallest falcons and they are one of the few raptors that the sex can be distinguished by the color of the feathers (this is known as sexual dimorphism). Males have blue-gray on their wings, a light chest and belly with dark polka-dots, and a barred tail. The female has rufous wings with black bars across them, a light chest and belly with darker streaks, and a striped pattern on the tail.
Habitat
American Kestrels are found in habitats ranging from deserts and grasslands to alpine meadows. You’re most likely to see them perching on telephone wires along roadsides, in open country with short vegetation and few trees.
Range
American Kestrels are found from central Alaska, through parts of Canada, throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Life Span
American kestrels live 2 – 10 years in the wild and 14 – 17 years in captivity.
Prey / Food
Typical food prey includes large insects, small rodents, and small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Babies / Nests
Kestrels lay 4 – 5 eggs in a clutch. The eggs hatch in about 28 days. Juveniles fledge (learn to fly) in about 25 days. American kestrels are cavity nesters, nesting in holes or crevices in cacti, trees, buildings, or nest boxes. They do not make these nests but take over cavity nests left vacant by other species.
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