Callie
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

As a very young bird, about 2 or 3 weeks of age, Callie and her three sisters were found when their tree was cut down. American Kestrels do not build nests, but dwell in tree cavities. They were found by people who then illegally kept the young Kestrels in their home and hand fed Callie and her sisters for several weeks before contacting a licensed rehabilitator. This act of mishandling which could seem to be helpful, actually was very harmful to the young birds and impaired them for the rest of their lives. Young birds grow very fast and the developmental stages in the first few weeks are crucial to the birds' survival. They will learn from, and identify with, whoever is teaching them at this early stage in their lives.

Callie and her sisters were only 3 weeks of age when brought to the rehabilitator, when they first opened their eyes the young kestrels visualized humans, instead of their parents. Had they been placed with other members of their own species they would have imprinted on them and remained wild. Callie and her sisters were not taught the skills needed to ever be released back into the wild, and would forever be imprinted on humans, as imprinting is irreversible.

When Callie arrived at the Avian Reconditioning Center still as a young Kestrel, it was apparent she was imprinted by the way she would constantly "beg" for food. Because she is an imprinted bird, Callie identified humans as a food source and seemed very comfortable around the company of people, and oblivious to the dangers around her.

Over time, Callie has become more settled in her environment and has been learning some new things. As an Education Ambassador at the Avian Reconditioning Center, Callie has enjoyed showing off her pretty colors and markings, as well as her petite figure, to students of all ages. Although she has mostly sat on her wooden perch during these educational programs, Callie is in the process of learning to fly from glove to glove with the sound of a whistle. She is making good progress and soon will be able to display her new talents.

    Callie can be sponsored through the Adopt-a-Bird program.
    Call 407-461-1056 or e-mail info@adoptabird.org for details
    on how you can make Callie a part of your family!

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