NY falconer exam apprentice birds (2/7) Questions and Answers
NY falconer exam apprentice birds (2/7)
Questions and Answers
Question 1
The falcon in which sexual dimorphism is found in both plumage coloration and
pattern is the...
a. Peregrine Falcon
b. American Kestrel
c. Gyrfalcon
d. None of the above.
Correct Answer
Ans. b
In the adult plumage, both the American Kestrel and the Merlin demonstrate
conspicuous coloration differences based on gender. However, immature Merlins of
either sex look the same.
Question 2
Which of these birds lacks distinctive "immature" plumage during their first year?
a. Goshawk
b. Red-tailed Hawk
c. Merlin
d. American Kestrel
Correct Answer
Ans. d
American Kestrels differ from other falcons in that their first year plumage is very
similar to their mature plumage. They differ also in the manner of the first molt. The
body plumage, but not the large wing and tail feathers, are molted and replaced in
the late summer. This means the first body plumage is scarcely fully grown before it
begins to molt.
Page 1 of 14
, NY falconer exam apprentice birds (2/7) Questions and Answers
Question 3
True or false: The American Kestrel is closely related to the Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
Correct Answer
Ans. False
The Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small Accipiter or short-winged
hawk and is very similar to the Sharp-shinned Hawk (A. striatus). The American
Kestrel (which was formerly called the American Sparrowhawk) is the smallest North
American falcon.
Question 4
small hawk alights nearby, and immediately pumps its tail up and down several times.
This "tail pumping" is a good identification field mark of a...
a. Sharp-shinned Hawk
b. American Kestrel
c. Broad-winged Hawk
d. Northern Harrier
Correct Answer
Ans. b
Tail pumping, head bobbing, and hovering are the classic field identification
characteristics of an American Kestrel.
Question 5
A very small raptor hovering 20 feet above an open field is most likely a...
a. Sharp-shinned Hawk
b. American Kestrel
c. Merlin
d. Cooper's Hawk
Correct Answer
Ans. b
There is nothing shy about a Kestrel. It lives, hunts, nests and perches right out in
the open for all to see. The most typical hunting method of the species is that of
hovering. Even when hunting from atop a pole, it may not make a direct flight to
the quarry. Instead it may fly out over the spot where it has seen something move,
then hover over it before dropping down.
Page 2 of 14
NY falconer exam apprentice birds (2/7)
Questions and Answers
Question 1
The falcon in which sexual dimorphism is found in both plumage coloration and
pattern is the...
a. Peregrine Falcon
b. American Kestrel
c. Gyrfalcon
d. None of the above.
Correct Answer
Ans. b
In the adult plumage, both the American Kestrel and the Merlin demonstrate
conspicuous coloration differences based on gender. However, immature Merlins of
either sex look the same.
Question 2
Which of these birds lacks distinctive "immature" plumage during their first year?
a. Goshawk
b. Red-tailed Hawk
c. Merlin
d. American Kestrel
Correct Answer
Ans. d
American Kestrels differ from other falcons in that their first year plumage is very
similar to their mature plumage. They differ also in the manner of the first molt. The
body plumage, but not the large wing and tail feathers, are molted and replaced in
the late summer. This means the first body plumage is scarcely fully grown before it
begins to molt.
Page 1 of 14
, NY falconer exam apprentice birds (2/7) Questions and Answers
Question 3
True or false: The American Kestrel is closely related to the Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
Correct Answer
Ans. False
The Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small Accipiter or short-winged
hawk and is very similar to the Sharp-shinned Hawk (A. striatus). The American
Kestrel (which was formerly called the American Sparrowhawk) is the smallest North
American falcon.
Question 4
small hawk alights nearby, and immediately pumps its tail up and down several times.
This "tail pumping" is a good identification field mark of a...
a. Sharp-shinned Hawk
b. American Kestrel
c. Broad-winged Hawk
d. Northern Harrier
Correct Answer
Ans. b
Tail pumping, head bobbing, and hovering are the classic field identification
characteristics of an American Kestrel.
Question 5
A very small raptor hovering 20 feet above an open field is most likely a...
a. Sharp-shinned Hawk
b. American Kestrel
c. Merlin
d. Cooper's Hawk
Correct Answer
Ans. b
There is nothing shy about a Kestrel. It lives, hunts, nests and perches right out in
the open for all to see. The most typical hunting method of the species is that of
hovering. Even when hunting from atop a pole, it may not make a direct flight to
the quarry. Instead it may fly out over the spot where it has seen something move,
then hover over it before dropping down.
Page 2 of 14
