About the American Kestrel
The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a species of bird in the Falcons and Caracaras family (Falconidae), within the order Falconiformes. This family contains 65 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code amekes when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falcons and Caracaras (Falconidae) |
| Species | Falco sparverius |
| Species Codes | amekes, AMKE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the American Kestrel belong to?
The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) belongs to the Falcons and Caracaras family (Falconidae), in the order Falconiformes.
How can I identify the American Kestrel?
The American Kestrel is a member of the Falcons and Caracaras family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a American Kestrel sighting?
You can log sightings of American Kestrel on eBird (ebird.org) using species code amekes, or on iNaturalist.