American kestrel: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
American kestrel eggs hatch after 29–31 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 28–31 days and are weaned and independent at about 50 days. A typical clutch is 4–5 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 80-165 |
| Male weight (g) | 80-143 |
| Female weight (g) | 86-165 |
| Length (cm) | 22-31 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 170-200, f 175-205 |
| Clutch size | 4-5 (2-6) |
| Incubation (days) | 29-31 |
| Fledging (days) | 28-31 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~50 |
| Lifespan (years) | 8-12 |
| Breeding season | Wild: March-June. Captive: very prolific, recycles 10-14 days after egg removal (3-4 clutches). |
| Sexing | Sexes differ from fledging: male blue-grey wings, female rufous barred wings. |
| Moult | Summer moult. |
| Quarry | Sparrows, mice, insects; beginner bird in the USA. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 3/5. |
| Temperament | Tame, bold, easy. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: bumblefoot (perch surfaces), frounce & herpesvirus (no wild pigeons), sour crop (don't overfeed), coccidiosis/worms (routine faecal checks), avian pox (mosquito control/vaccine). Small species chill and lose condition fast - weigh daily. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Tiny; two black facial bars (moustache + ear spot), 'false eyes' on nape, rufous back; male blue-grey wings. |
Origin: The Americas — Scientific name: Falco sparverius
Size: 22-31 cm, 80-165 g
Breeding and care tips
Smallest falconry bird, very easy to breed in captivity; a US beginner bird. Uncommon in the Gulf.
Description
Smallest American falcon, two black face bars and a rufous back.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do American kestrel eggs take to hatch?
American kestrel eggs hatch after 29-31 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a American kestrel lay?
Usually 4-5 (2-6) eggs per clutch.
When do American kestrel chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 28-31 days old.
When are American kestrel chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~50 days.
What is the American kestrel breeding season?
Wild: March-June. Captive: very prolific, recycles 10-14 days after egg removal (3-4 clutches).
How do you tell a male American kestrel from a female?
Sexes differ from fledging: male blue-grey wings, female rufous barred wings.
How long does a American kestrel live?
About 8-12 years with good care.