Did you know that American kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America?
American Kestrels
at
a Glance
Key Features:
American kestrels are red-brown birds with blue-gray crowns, two dark vertical stripes on the sides of their heads, two dark spots on the back of their heads, and blue-gray wings. Females have red-brown wings.
Least Concern - Population Stable
Habitat:
Farmlands, forest clearings, and forest edges
nesting habits:
American kestrels nest in existing cavities and crevices.
seasons american kestrels are active in our area:
All year
Diet:
Amphibians, birds, insects, reptiles, small rodents
hunting Behavior:
American kestrels hunt by swooping down and grabbing prey with their feet.
Commonly Confused With:
Merlins, Sharp-Shinned Hawks
American kestrels are often confused with merlins because both are brown birds. American kestrels are smaller and lighter brown.
American kestrels are often confused with sharp-shinned hawks because both are brown birds the same size. American kestrels have shorter tails.