The American Kestrel

The American Kestrel is perhaps one of the most colorful raptors in the world. The American Kestrel is the most common falcon found in North America. American Kestrels are found throughout the United States and Canada. They prefer open areas containing scattered trees or other high perches, such as utility lines. Their habitat is varied, including forest edges, orchards, pastures, and deserts.

Kestrels forage near roadsides and in open fields. These birds of prey feed on a variety of small mammals and birds, reptiles, and insects, particularly grasshoppers. They also eat small birds, chiefly in the winter.

The breeding season can begin as early as March or as late as May, depending upon the latitude. Kestrels usually have one brood per season, but in the southern portion of the range or in regions where prey is plentiful, double broods are common. Pairs that are double-brooded often reuse the nest from the first brood. Kestrels like to nest in snags, deserted woodpecker holes, and other natural tree cavities, as well as in cliffs, dirt banks, under the eaves of buildings, and in kestrel nest boxes.

Shop our Bird Houses
for the American Kestrel

Mount your kestrel house 10 to 30 feet above ground on a mature tree such as a large oak.

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