American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Formerly called the "Sparrow Hawk" this is a female showing brown-barred wings. Genetic studies have found falcons are closer to Parrots than to other raptors such as hawks or eagles. In fact this kestrel looks rather like a parrot to me. Formerly very common throughout most of North America, this small colorful falcon has declined by about half in the last fifty years. In coastal California the situation is even worse with a 70% decline. A recent study found their average body size has also decreased. No specific cause has yet been identified for these declines.