Your kestrel is best suited to hunt which of the following?

Study for the California Falconry Apprentice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A kestrel, specifically the American Kestrel, is a small falcon known for its agility and hunting prowess, particularly when targeting smaller birds. The correct choice of "Starlings and English sparrows" reflects the kestrel's hunting behavior and dietary preferences.

Kestrels primarily hunt small birds and are particularly skilled at catching species that are abundant in urban and suburban environments, such as starlings and English sparrows. These birds provide an accessible food source due to their plentiful numbers and relatively small sizes, making them ideal prey for the kestrel's hunting techniques, which often include hovering in the air to spot potential targets.

While quail are a food source for some larger raptors, they are generally too large and ground-dwelling for a kestrel to effectively hunt. Therefore, the inclusion of starlings and English sparrows as prey is not only accurate but emphasizes the small falcon’s adaptability in various environments, including urban areas where these birds thrive. This highlights the importance of understanding the prey species that best suit the hunting characteristics of specific falcon species.

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