The American kestrel is a small and very colorful falcon. It has large dark eyes, long wings and tail, with blue-gray wings and bright rusty coloring on its back, tail and head. Females are about 10% larger than males and have more barring than spots on their wings.

They are the only kestrel that occupies the Western Hemisphere and are found from the Arctic circle to the tip of South America. They are one of North America’s most populous birds of prey. They migrate seasonally to breeding zones and preferable climates. They may occasionally battle with other raptors (owls and hawks) and non-raptors like the northern flicker over good nesting sites.

The kestrel’s diet varies by region. They hunt from a high perch and are also known for hovering. They eat a wide variety of large insects, rodents, like mice and voles, as well as a few birds and reptiles. They will store extra food in a “cache” location so they can come back later and continue eating. They have been known to rob the nests of smaller birds.