Flint

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

This Kestrel was found in Jackson, Illinois and admitted to the Treehouse Wildlife Center in May 2024 as a nestling after becoming orphaned. Unable to be reunited with his parents because his nest was destroyed in a storm, he was raised in human care. While all efforts were made to avoid imprinting, he began begging for food and readily approaching human caregivers, deeming him non-releasable. 

The name Flint was chosen by our staff and volunteers because flint is a mineral that can be colored: sandy brown, medium to dark grey, black, reddish brown or an off-white grey, which fits pretty well with kestrel colors, and is used with steel as a firestarter. He’s bright, fast, and has an energetic ‘sparky’ personality so far.

Imprinting is an early stage of learning in which an animal gains its sense of species identification. Birds will not automatically know what species they are when they hatch – they imprint on their parents during their early critical period of development, through daily interactions and feeding. After imprinting, they will identify with that species for life, and it is not reversible. 

This little guy was placed with RMRP on January 15th, 2025 after graciously being transported to us by our friends at the World Bird Sanctuary and Nature’s Educators. After passing his initial vet exam with flying colors, he began training with us right away to prepare him for his new role as an education ambassador. He is a fast learner, and we are so excited to get to know him and his personality better, and introduce him to you at outreach events in the near future! 

If you ever come across a young raptor and you are unsure if they are orphaned, please give us a call so we can advise, and avoid the possibility of imprinting.

Sponsor Flint