Laine Kowalski, Chapin School
Mercer County
Honorable Mention, Mercer County, American Kestrel (c) Laine Kowalski
American Kestrels
I am North America’s littlest falcon, the American Kestrel. I am about 7-8 inches long. My colors look like the American flag. I am reddish-orange on my wings and dark navy blue on my head and body. I have whitish-beige on my breast. My beak curves so sharply that even the lightest touch will get a prick. I am covered in black spots that cascade down my body and I resemble a hawk-like creature.
We make our nests inside of holes in trees. We like the opening to be tights and a cover overhead. This is to protect our eggs and young. Female Kestrels lay three to seven eggs. They are white in color with brown or grey spots.
We are small but are predators who hunt for insects, lizards, mice, and small birds by flying over open fields or scanning the ground while perching on wires and poles. I flap my tail to keep my balance on my perch.
I make a few different sounds. The “klee,” the “whine,” and the “chitter.” The “klee” repeats over and over again. For example, “Klee, klee, klee, klee.” I use the “whine” when feeding and the “chitter” when I am talking to my mate.
I am sadly an endangered species because all the grasslands I live in are being destroyed to build roads and buildings. Also, when people cut down trees we lose our nests. To help protect me, you can stop destroying grasslands and cutting down trees. Save my species by protecting the environment.
Written By: Laine Kowalski
Chapin School
Princeton, NJ
Teacher: Ms. Tanya Vail