Bird Identification

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius L 10 ½" (27cm)

Photo by Maslowski Wildlife Productions. Listen to an American kestrel.

The small size and mostly reddish back make the American Kestrel one of most easily recognized falcons. Although only a fraction of the size of its close relative the Peregrine, it shares the pointed wings and long tail typical of the family. Kestrels are fairly common breeders throughout most of North America, from the tree line of Canada to the southern border of the United States, and they can be found across most of the country in winter. They are most frequently seen sitting on telephone lines patiently watching the ground below for prey—most often large insects and small birds and mammals. They are also observed hovering briefly before dropping down to investigate a potential food item. Crickets are a favorite food in summer. They favor open, weedy areas and wood edges, but they have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, including deserts and even urban settings. They are limited mostly by the need for larger cavities for nesting, especially old woodpecker holes, but they will also nest in abandoned buildings. Although they have been declining in some parts of the range, especially the northeast, they are doing better in recent years, probably because of the increasing popularity of nest box programs. Rarely vocal except during the courtship and early nesting cycle, the call is an easily recognized killy, killy, killy, given in a fast and aggressive manner.