American Kestrel

23-30 cm (9-12") Common and widespread. Open country, farmlands, urban areas, parks, dead trees, wires.

Our smallest falcon - jay size. Easily identified by its small size, bright rusty back and tail and double black stripes or "sideburns" down each side of face. Male's wings are blue-gray, female's are brown.

In flight; hovers while seeking insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles then dives to catch prey.

Song: sharp "killy-killy-killy".

Videos

Images

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Greg Schneider

Credit: Greg Scneider

Distribution Maps

American Kestrel distribution map

American Kestrel winter distribution map