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
—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.