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American Kestrel Clio, Puck and Toto
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The most common and widespread falcon in North America, as well as
the smallest and most delicate. Having the typical falcon shape -- a short
neck, relatively small head, long and slender pointed wings, and a long tail
- gives this bird a streamlined body designed for fast flight. Females are
slightly larger than males, but unlike most birds of prey, the sexes have
different plumages. Both have a rufous-red back and tail, double black
stripes on white cheeks, and a gray head with a rufous crown patch. Wing
color and pattern is the most noticeable difference: females have rufous
barred upper wings, while males have wings of blue-gray with small black
spots, with a row of white circles on a darker trailing wing edge. Flight of
this small falcon is light and buoyant, with rapid, shallow wingbeats and
short glides. Often seen in flight with the wingtips swept back, or hovering
motionless in midair over prey. Head bobbing, and flicking the tail up and
down are two commonly observed behaviors when this bird is perched. Notes
Status - State and federally protected
Next Species
On the evening of January 11th, 2010, beloved Cascades Raptor Center family member, Toto, an American Kestrel, passed away from age-related cancer. Hatched in the spring of 1994 in Kansas, Toto had a rocky start in life. Raised illegally with inadequate nutrition, he had an infected, blind eye and a broken leg when he was finally turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. In addition, due to his early contact with humans, Toto did not imprint correctly on his own species, preferring human companionship. Together, these early life experiences resulted in an inability to survive on his own in the wild.In October of 1994, Toto arrived in Oregon and into the care of CRC, where he began his work in nature education. For 15 years, Toto made a career of acting as ambassador for American Kestrels everywhere and in doing so touched thousands of human hearts. He always delighted his audience, and his human co-workers and friends, with his confidence, forgiveness, and cheerful vocalizations. Visiting hundreds of classrooms over the years, the generous spirit within his small falcon form earned him a special place in the hearts of legions of young children. In 1996, Toto auditioned to be named the "Fairfield Falcon" at Fairfield Elementary School in Eugene. Due to his charm, the student body selected Toto over the other candidates, all much larger falcons. He held his post there for 14 years, visiting the students annually, as well as being sought out at public events and visited at his home at CRC. CRC's staff, Board, large volunteer corps, and Toto's community sponsors have heavy hearts with the loss of our endearing, feathery friend. Together we find comfort knowing that his life was a long and happy one, his passing was peaceful and quiet, and his impact on both the avian and human community was everlasting. He was the best teacher many of us will ever have. KEZI-Eugene has posted an article and video of Sunday's memorial service for Toto. Cascades Raptor Center Mourns Loss Of "Toto" |