Bird · GBIF taxon 9685907
American Kestrel
Falco sparveriusThe American Kestrel is a small, colorful falcon with two dark facial stripes and a long tail. It often watches from wires or posts, then drops onto insects and small vertebrates in open ground.
Small FalconOpen CountryCavity Nester
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasshoppers
- Voles
- Lizards
Predators
- Cooper's Hawks
- Great Horned Owls
- Raccoons
ThreatsLoss of cavities and open habitat, pesticide exposure, collisions, and declining insect prey
HabitatsGrasslands, shrublands, farms, deserts, woodland edges, and open urban areas
Life spanMany live only a few years, though exceptional wild birds exceed a decade
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFalconidae
- SpeciesFalco sparverius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe nest cavities from far away and never linger beneath an active entrance.
Responsible observation
- Look: Check wires and isolated posts overlooking short vegetation.
- Hover: Watch for rapid wingbeats holding the falcon briefly in place.
- Distance: Use optics near any occupied cavity.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.