The American Kestrel is closely related to which bird species?

The American Kestrel is closely related to the Eurasian Sparrowhawk because both belong to the family Falconidae and the order Falconiformes. While the American Kestrel is a small falcon, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey that, like the kestrel, is adapted to hunting small birds and insects. This relationship is highlighted by their similar hunting strategies and ecological niches, as well as certain morphological features that they share, such as their size and wing shape. This familial connection is more pronounced than with the other options listed, which belong to different but related families or orders, making the connection with the Eurasian Sparrowhawk the most accurate.