American Kestrel
Falco sparverius

Compiled by Lisa Graham

The American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, packs a powerful punch despite its petite size. This stunning bird is not likely to be seen perched in your backyard unless it has a view of open fields or shrubby areas, but if you venture out to grasslands or along rural roads, you might just spot this remarkable creature in action.

The American Kestrel is characterized by its vibrant plumage and striking features. Adults display a mix of reddish-brown, slate-blue, and white feathers, making them one of the most colorful birds of prey. Males are particularly dramatic, showcasing a slate-blue cap and wings, with intricate reddish-brown streaks on their backs. Their facial pattern features a distinct black ‘mustache’ and two black vertical stripes, which lend them an unmistakable profile.

Measuring about 9 to 12 inches in length and with a wingspan of approximately 20 to 24 inches, the American Kestrel is easily identifiable in its habitat. Despite its small size, this falcon is an agile flyer, capable of intricate maneuvers as it hunts for food.

The American Kestrel can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. This adaptability is a testament to their resourcefulness as they thrive in environments ranging from lowlands to mountainous regions. Usually, they prefer areas with plenty of perches like fence posts, wires, or tree branches where they can survey the landscape for prey.

Kestrels hunt by perching quietly, scanning the ground for movement, then swooping in for a swift strike. Their diet primarily consists of insects, small mammals, and occasionally small birds. Their ability to hover in mid-air while searching for food—a behavior known as “kite hunting”—is a remarkable sight.

The breeding season for American Kestrels typically begins in late winter and extends through spring. They are cavity-nesters and will often choose abandoned woodpecker holes, tree cavities, or even nest boxes provided by humans. After a courtship display involving aerial acrobatics, females will lay between 3 to 6 eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, with eggs hatching in about 28 to 31 days.  Once hatched, the chicks rely completely on their parents, and the parents continue to feed them until they fledge, usually around 30 days after hatching.

The American Kestrel’s dazzling plumage, superb hunting skills, and captivating behaviors make it a bird of great interest for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike.  If you’re looking to spot these small falcons, head to open fields and rural areas, particularly during dawn or dusk when they are most active. Once you catch a glimpse of this charming little falcon, you’ll appreciate the wonders of nature a little more deeply.

Sources include All About Birds (Cornell) and Audubon Field Guide.   Photo credit:  Michael JD, Macaulay Library.