Home, near and far.
This species is widely distributed throughout the Western Hemisphere, breeding from central Alaska and northern Canada south through North America, Central America, and into South America to Tierra del Fuego.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Falcons and Caracaras
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, known for its vibrant plumage and fierce predatory nature. These colorful raptors are often seen perched on wires or hovering over open fields. They are widespread across the Americas, from northern Canada to the southern tip of South America.
Resident or migratorySmall falconKilly-killy-killy callInsects, small mammals
- Length
- 22-31 cm
- Wingspan
- 51-61 cm
- Weight
- 80-165 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Size and Shape
A relatively small, long-tailed falcon with narrow, pointed, sickle-shaped wings.
- 02
Facial Markings
White cheeks with two prominent black vertical stripes, sometimes called a "mustache" and a "sideburn."
- 03
Male Plumage
Males have slate-blue wings, a rusty-red back, and a rusty-red tail with a broad black band near the tip.
- 04
Female Plumage
Females have rusty-brown wings, back, and tail, all marked with dark barring. Their underparts are streaked.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
American Kestrels inhabit a wide range of open and semi-open environments, including grasslands, meadows, deserts, agricultural fields, and urban areas. They require elevated perches for hunting and cavities for nesting.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Migratory behavior varies geographically. Northern populations typically migrate long distances south for winter, while southern populations tend to be year-round residents. In middle latitudes, individuals may undertake partial or short-distance migrations. Females often winter further south than males.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Their call is a sharp, high-pitched series of notes, often described as a rapid chatter.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Their diet primarily consists of large insects, small rodents, and other small mammals. They also prey on small birds, lizards, and snakes, with diet varying seasonally and regionally.
Kestrels typically hunt from high perches like wires or poles, scanning the ground for prey. They also employ a distinctive hovering flight, rapidly flapping their wings to stay stationary while searching for food below.
A place to begin.
American Kestrels are cavity nesters, utilizing natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, rock crevices, or artificial nest boxes. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the young fledge about a month after hatching.
The little routines.
These small falcons are often seen alone. They are known for their bold nature, sometimes even attacking larger raptors to defend their territory. They may cache surplus food for later consumption.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
American Kestrels are the smallest falcon species in North America.
They possess ultraviolet vision, which may allow them to detect the urine trails left by voles, a common prey item.
Despite their small size, American Kestrels can be prey for larger birds such as Red-tailed Hawks and Barn Owls.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatusSharp-shinned Hawks have rounded wings and a different flight pattern compared to the Kestrel's pointed wings.
Merlin
Falco columbariusMerlins are generally larger and lack the distinct facial stripes of the American Kestrel.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.