American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
Also known as: American Sparrow Hawk, Killy-Killy, Lesser Antillean Sparrow Hawk, Sparrow-Hawk
Habitat
Ground
Diet
Invertebrate
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
115 g
About This Species
North America's smallest falcon, a compact raptor with rufous back and tail and bold facial markings, often seen perched on wires or fence posts scanning open grassland and farmland below. It hunts by hovering briefly on beating wings before dropping onto insects, small mammals and reptiles, a hunting style that makes roadside posts and open fields good vantage points for observation. Look for it year-round in open country across much of its range, with hunting activity most visible in early morning and late afternoon.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Keep a respectful distance, ideally observing from a vehicle used as a hide, since kestrels perched on low posts flush easily and repeated disturbance can interrupt hunting success.
- Raptors including this species are protected under laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and Canada, which prohibit intentional harassment, though specific provisions and permitting differ by country.
- Nest boxes and cavity nests should not be approached or checked during the breeding season without appropriate permits.
Seasonal Activity
5,531,794 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Falconiformes
- Family
- Falconidae
Traits
- Diet
- Invertebrate
- Foraging
- Ground
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 115 g
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.