Malar

American kestrel

Malar, an american kestrel
Quick Facts
  • Hatch year 2012
  • Weight: 105 grams
  • Found in Minneapolis, MN
  • Right metacarpal fracture
  • Male
  • Un-releasable – incapable of sustained flight

Malar was admitted to The Raptor Center’s clinic with a fractured right metacarpal (bones/digits similar to fingers).  He was also depressed and dehydrated. 

He received his name due to the distinctive black markings on his face called malar stripes. Kestrels also have small, black marks at the edge of the nape to suggest “eye-spots”.  These are the smallest of North America’s falcons.