American Kestrel

(Falco sparverius)

LISTEN (Recordist: Mike Nelson, XC56416. Accessible at Xeno Canto.

General Description: Smallest of our native falcons, with long wings and tail. The head is blue, brown, and white. Males are brightly colored, with reddish-brown backs, slate-blue wings streaked with black, and tan breasts with black spots. Females have brown backs with black streaks, and brown-streaked white breasts. Both sexes have two bold, vertical face stripes.

Habitat: Found in wide variety of open habitats, including grasslands and agricultural areas, especially those with perching spots such as trees and fence posts.

Behavior: Often seen hovering in flight or perched upon wires in open areas. They typically nest in cavities, usually 10 to 30 feet off the ground. Pairs are monogamous.

Diet: Kestrels feed primarily on large insects such as grasshoppers, small mammals and birds, and occasionally reptiles.

Range in North American: Found throughout the United States in all seasons, and in southern Canada and into Alaska during summer.

When to See in Washington: Year round range in the Puget Sound Basin and Eastern Washington.

For detailed information about American Kestrels, visit Seattle Audubon’s BirdWeb.