Immature birds are browner overall, particularly on the back and crown (Figureġ1). Immature males are browner and quiteĭark overall, but do retain a slate-colored back (Figure 10). When seen, especially from above, the tail exhibits a bold pattern of They have a grayish face with a single vertical stripe through theĮye. Males are slate blue on the back and are heavily streaked and barred beneath Species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism and to a lesser degree, age-relatedįigure 8. Sparingly throughout our region most commonly along the coast. Predominantly a migrant and winter visitor, Merlins occur Relatively small falcon is heavier and proportionally shorter-winged than theĪmerican Kestrel. Hovering on rapidly-beating wings over a field. “string of pearls” mark of the males (Figure 7).įlight, Kestrels have a light and quick flap. The underwings are light-colored but lack the Theīack and tail are more heavily barred than males and the underparts densely Trailing edge of the wing a so-called “string of pearls” (Figure 5).Īmerican Kestrels have uniformly rufous backs and upper wings (Figure 6). When lit fromĪbove, male Kestrels uniquely display a unique line of white spots along the Underwings are mostly white with thin black bars (Figures 3, 4). In flight, the wings and tail are long and slender and the Smattering of thick black bars and the tail is tipped with a broad black Whereas juvenile-plumaged birds have streaked chests. The underparts of adults are cream-colored with black spots female American KestrelĪmerican Kestrels combine a rufous back and tail with slate-blue wing coverts When seen, this mark alone is diagnostic.įigure 1. North American raptors in that they have two black vertical facial bars, one inįront of the eye and one behind. The species is typified by strong sexual dimorphismīut minimal plumage variation by age. Unfortunately, over the past several decades, Species regularly occur in the Carolinas:īy far the most common falcon species in the Carolinas, this is also NorthĪmerica's smallest raptor. These forms are commonly used in falconry. Only does this introduce foreign species into the equation, but also hybrids as More closely related to parrots than hawks, thisĮnigmatic group of birds includes some of the world's most celebrated species.įalcon identification is somewhat complicated by the fact that this group isĮxtremely popular with falconers and on occasion, captive birds escape. Is the most wide-spread of the three groups in the Carolinas and the only one From an identification perspective only, it is instructive to regard themĪs though a single group but beyond being superficially similar, the three Superficially share common characters of long, narrow to pointed wings and long IDENTIFICATION PRIMER: FALCONS, KITES, AND NORTHERN HARRIER Michael Toveĭiverse groups of diurnal raptors: Falcons, Kites, and Northern Harrier Other Resources ( NOT sponsored by Carolina Bird Club) Reduced registration fee for meetings, can participate inīonus field trips, and receive our publications. The Club provides this website to all for free.īy becoming a member, you support the activities of the Club, Reports of bird records committees and bird counts,Īnd general field notes on bird sightings.ĬBC Newsletter is published bimonthly and includes birding articlesĪnd information about meetings, field trips, and Club news. The Chat is a quarterly ornithological journal that contains scientific articles, The Club publishes two print publications (now also available online). Graduate students, and scholarships for young birders. The Club offers research grants in avian biology for undergraduate and With people who share an enthusiasm and concern for birds. Informative programs are combined for an exciting weekend of meeting Opportunity to see many different kinds of birds. Meeting sites are selected to give participants an The Club meets each winter, spring, and fall at different locations in The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientificĪssociation open to anyone interested in the studyĪnd conservation of wildlife, particularly birds.
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