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Creating a Wild Backyard: American Kestrel

Drive along any country road and you are bound to spot an American Kestrel perched on a power line, watching and waiting for its next meal. Often called "sparrow hawk", this little bird of the raptor family is actually a falcon and is closely related to the endangered Peregrine Falcon.

What Does a Kestrel Look Like?
Kestrel males sport beautiful blue-gray wings, a rusty back and tail with a black terminal band, and black "whiskers" below each eye. Females have a rusty back, tail, and wings, all marked with black barring. The tops of their heads are blue with a rusty cap. Usually the males are brighter than the females. Like other falcons, kestrels have long, pointed wings and a tail that is long. The kestrel also has two spots of dark plumage on the back of its head which look like two eyes, from a distance. It has been speculated that these "eye spots" may actually help to prevent a predatory attack on the falcon from behind. This is because the eye spots give the illusion that the kestrel is facing the same direction as the attacker and, thus, could not be surprised by their attack. About the size of a blackbird, American Kestrels are the smallest falcons found in North America.

Natural History
The American Kestrel is Maryland's most common falcon. Kestrels are common, year-round residents throughout the state. However, they are seen more often during the winter months. Kestrels are found in a variety of habitats including parks, suburbs, open fields and forest edges. In Maryland, males and females predominantly use open areas and edge habitats. Because of their preference for edge habitat, there are many places to nest in the Maryland area.

Nesting begins in late March and extends through late August. Males establish a territory and attract females with flight displays and calling. The voice of the kestrel sounds like a shrill "killy-killy-killy." A cavity nest site is selected by both the male and the female, however, a nest is not constructed. Three to five eggs, white in color with small brown spots, are laid directly on the floor of the cavity. Preferred cavities include old woodpecker holes and natural cavities 10 to 35 feet above the ground. They will also use artificial nest boxes and other man-made structures such as attics. The eggs are incubated for about 30 days, with the female relying on the male to supply food for her while she incubates the eggs. The young leave the nest about 30 days after hatching. Normally only one brood is raised each year. Kestrels are considered good parents and diligently care for their young.

Kestrels feed on insects, small birds, lizards, and rodents. Because they need a high perch for spotting their prey below, kestrels are commonly seen perching on telephone poles and wires. Once prey is spotted, kestrels usually hover before diving down to make the kill. Unlike other falcons, kestrels capture their prey on the ground rather than in the air. They hunt primarily during the morning and late afternoon hours. Interestingly enough, kestrels receive most of their fluid intake from their diet, enabling them to live in the dry, arid conditions of the desert.

How to Attract American Kestrels
American Kestrels require open space for hunting and cavities to nest in. They are found in a wide variety of areas, from farmsteads and woodland borders, to suburban areas and city parks. It is the kestrel's ability to adapt to such varying conditions that has enabled it to remain one of the most abundant raptors in North America.

Since kestrels are cavity nesters, they need tree cavities in which to nest in. However, the numbers of dead or dying trees are declining in many areas and as a result, kestrels, as well as other cavity nesters, have been faced with the problem of finding suitable nest sites. If this is happening in your area, then you can erect nest boxes that are designed specifically for them. This will help make up for the loss of natural cavities and kestrels will readily use them as nest sites in which to raise their young.

Kestrel Nest Box Plans

For Additional Information, Contact:
 
 Wild Acres Program
 Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service
 Attn:  Marilyn Mause
 Gwynnbrook WMA
 3740 Gwynnbrook Ave
 Owings Mills MD 21117
 410-356-0941
 E-Mail: customerservice@dnr.state.md.us