American Kestrel

The American Kestrel, a member of the Falcon family, is the smallest North American hawk. It has two distinct black facial stripes, rust-brown tail and back, slate-blue wings, black-spotted under parts. Kestrels eat bats, rodents, insects, frogs, small reptiles and birds. Alternates several rapid wing beats with glides, also hovers. Soars on thermals.

Range and Habitat

The American Kestrel breeds from Northwest Territories and Alaska east through Maritime Provinces and south throughout most of the continent. Usually winters north to British Columbia, Great Lakes, and New England. Preferred habitats include towns, cities, parks, farmlands, and open country.

American Kestrels are fairly numerous in all parts of Alabama in the winter but most of these head north in early spring for breeding. In south Alabama nesting kestrels are very rare. This was not always the case. Kestrels use cavities in trees and other natural structures for nesting and will also use a birdhouse. If you see kestrels in south Alabama in May or June please contact AWCA.

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Eric Soehren (L) DCNR Biologist, AWCA President Charles Kennedy, and Bob Canter of the State Capitol Staff prepare to install Project Sparrow Hawk's first Kestrel House on the railing of the Capitol dome. Hopefully many additional houses will be installed in the future. To visit the Department of Conservation website to read about the "Capitol Kestrels" click here. Use your back button to return to this page.

Eric Soehren, Tommy Pratt, Charles Kennedy, and AWCA volunteers  on the Alabama State Capitol roof with Project Sparrow Hawk's first kestrel house.

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