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| Meet Violet the American kestrel. |
Quick facts:
- Hatch year 2012
- Weight: 115 grams
- Found near Superior, Wisconsin
- Fractured right coracoid and elbow trauma
- Injured in collision with vehicle
- Female
Violet
was admitted to The Raptor Center’s clinic in August of her hatch year,
2012. This timing means she was not out of her nest cavity for more
than a few weeks. She was unable to fly after a collision with a
vehicle. In addition to a fractured right coracoid, she also had trauma
to her right elbow and was dehydrated.
Violet’s name refers to a very unique adaptation that American kestrels might have, as referenced in several professional papers, to assist in finding their prey. Mice and small rodents are a part of a kestrel’s diet. These mammals will often leave a urine trail that could reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. A visual pigment in the cones of kestrels’ retinas absorbs UV light, perhaps allowing them to see this part of the spectrum.
You can read about Violet and "meet" our other education ambassadors on our website.
Violet’s name refers to a very unique adaptation that American kestrels might have, as referenced in several professional papers, to assist in finding their prey. Mice and small rodents are a part of a kestrel’s diet. These mammals will often leave a urine trail that could reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. A visual pigment in the cones of kestrels’ retinas absorbs UV light, perhaps allowing them to see this part of the spectrum.
You can read about Violet and "meet" our other education ambassadors on our website.
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