The American Kestrel is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America, roughly the size of a robin. It is one of very few raptors with marked sexual dimorphism in color — males have blue-gray wings and a rufous back, females are entirely rufous. It can see ultraviolet light, which allows it to spot urine trails of voles that are visible in UV but not ordinary light.
Habitat
Open fields, roadsides, forest edges, and farmland
Diet
Insects, small lizards, mice, and small birds
How common
Common
Recent American Kestrel sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a American Kestrel? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free