The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most widespread falcon in North America, known for its striking plumage, hovering hunting style, and adaptability to open landscapes. Often called the “sparrow hawk”, this colorful raptor is a favorite among birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and conservationists.

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American Kestrel Identification

Adult Male American Kestrel

Blue-gray wings, Reddish-brown back with black barring, Two bold vertical black facial stripes (“mustache marks”), White cheeks and throat, Rust-colored tail with a single black band and white tip

Adult Female American Kestrel

Larger than males, Reddish-brown wings and back with heavy barring, Same facial stripes as males but more muted, Brown tail with multiple black bands

Juvenile American Kestrel

Similar to adults but with more streaking on the chest, Duller coloration, Less defined facial markings

Key Field Marks: Small falcon size, long pointed wings, upright posture when perched, tail flicking, and frequent hovering.

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American Kestrel Size Comparison

The American Kestrel is often confused with:

Merlin (larger, stockier, darker). Sharp-shinned Hawk (broader wings, longer tail, no hovering). Eastern Bluebird (similar size, but vastly different flight and behavior)

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American Kestrel Habitat

American Kestrels thrive in open and semi-open landscapes, including:

Grasslands and prairies. Agricultural fields. Farmland edges. Desert scrub. Coastal dunes. Urban and suburban areas with open spaces. Roadsides and utility lines

They rely heavily on perches such as fence posts, power lines, dead trees, and nest boxes.

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American Kestrel Range and Distribution

• North America: Widespread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico
• Central & South America: Extends into the Caribbean and northern South America
• One of the most widely distributed falcons in the Western Hemisphere

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American Kestrel Migration

American Kestrel migration patterns vary by region:

Northern populations: Long-distance migrants. Southern populations: Year-round residents. Fall migration: Peaks from September to November. Spring migration: February to April

During migration, kestrels are commonly seen along:

Coastlines. Mountain ridges. Open agricultural corridors

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American Kestrel Diet and Hunting Behavior

What Do American Kestrels Eat?

American Kestrels are opportunistic predators feeding on:

Grasshoppers and crickets, Beetles and moths, Mice and voles, Small birds, Lizards and snakes, Occasionally bats

Hunting Techniques

Hover-hunting (kiting): Facing into the wind while scanning the ground. Perch-and-pounce: Dropping swiftly from elevated perches. Head bobbing: Enhances depth perception

Their exceptional eyesight allows them to see ultraviolet light, helping locate urine trails of rodents.

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American Kestrel Behavior

Diurnal (active during daylight). Highly territorial during breeding season. Frequently flicks tail when perched. Often solitary or in pairs. Aggressive toward intruders near nest sites

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American Kestrel Nesting and Breeding

Nesting Sites

American Kestrels are cavity nesters and do not build their own nests. They rely on:

Tree cavities, Old woodpecker holes, Cliff crevices, Nest boxes, Building ledges

Breeding Cycle

Eggs: 3–7 per clutch. Incubation: ~30 days. Fledging: 28–31 days. Both parents feed the young

Nest boxes have become essential due to declining natural cavities.

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American Kestrel Vocalizations

Common American Kestrel calls include:

“klee-klee-klee” – alarm or agitation. “kil-kil-kil” – territorial defense. Chattering calls during courtship

Their calls are high-pitched and sharp.

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American Kestrel Conservation Status

Although listed as Least Concern, American Kestrel populations have declined significantly in parts of North America, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.

Major Threats

Loss of open habitat. Decline in insect populations. Reduced nesting cavities. Pesticide exposure. Competition with European Starlings

Conservation Efforts

Nest box programs. Grassland habitat restoration. Monitoring through eBird and Breeding Bird Surveys

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American Kestrel and Humans

Often seen along highways and farmland. One of the first raptors people learn to identify. Popular species for education and conservation outreach. Frequently photographed due to tolerance of human presence

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American Kestrel in Winter

In winter, American Kestrels:

Shift diets toward rodents and birds. Increase roadside hunting. Become more solitary. May move south or to lower elevations

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Fun Facts About the American Kestrel

The smallest falcon in North America. Can hover like a hummingbird. Sees ultraviolet light. One of the most colorful raptors. Uses human-made structures extensively

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Why the American Kestrel Matters

The American Kestrel is a keystone indicator species. Population declines can signal broader ecosystem problems such as insect loss and habitat degradation.