American Kestrel: North America’s Smallest Falcon

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is North America’s smallest and most widespread falcon, often seen hovering over roadside fields.

Identification

Males are rusty-orange with blue-gray wings; females are browner. Both show a black-and-white face pattern with two dark vertical streaks.

Hunting

Kestrels hover kite-like, then drop onto insects, small mammals, and lizards. They also perch-hunt from wires and posts.

Conservation Note

Kestrel numbers have declined in parts of their range, possibly from loss of nest cavities and grassland conversion. See Conservation.