Female American Kestrel

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Contact Information
Contact Sierra Merritt

Country: USA

Species: American Kestrel

Is rehabilitation complete?: yes

This animal has potential as a :

off-site education animal
static display animal

This animal is: wild reared

Age: Adult

Reason for entering rehabilitation.:

This kestrel was admitted to a rehabilitation facility 7/31/24 as a first year due to an irriversible injury to her right eye. The eye was removed 8/11/24 with no evidence of chronic pain.

Days in care: 475

Issues developed while undergoing rehabilitation.:

N/A

Body condition score (5 point scale as defined on https://nagonline.net/3877/body-condition-scoring/): 3

Can the animal express species-typical behaviors (e.g. eat appropriate whole foods, climb, perch, groom, dig, fly, swim, ambulate normally for species)?:

Yes, her depth perception is slightly off due to only having one eye, but it does not stop her from expressing species-typical behaviors. She is able to tear whole food pieces including mice, quail, and chicks, is fully flighted, is able to perch and balance normally, and preens normally.

Can the animal be handled without negative welfare affects?: yes

This is how the animal currently reacts when a frequent caregiver nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

If she is perched and you approach slowly she just sits and watches you, does not typically flee. She has learned our daily routine and typically comes down to her station perch when food is offered.

This is how the animal currently reacts when a stranger nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

If she is on a high perch, she sits and watches. If she is on a perch at the same height of the stranger, she flees to a higher perch to watch from a distance.

This animal is currently house : alone

Will the animal need continuous medical care (e.g. medication)?: no

Physical health welfare assessment: life worth living

Mental/emotional health welfare assessment: life worth living

More Information

This female AMKE came into our education program from a rehab program in March, 2025. Since we received her in March, she has been on static display. The original goal was to train her on glove for offsite programming and we believe she is still fully capable of being trained to do that, however, our program has taken a different turn so she is no longer a great fit for our program. Since she was admitted as a first year, we estimate she is under 2 years old.

Any interested facility must complete our standard transfer questionnaire to ensure the best possible placement for her long-term welfare.
We are not currently able to offer transport to the new facility. Pick up only in Houston, Texas.

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