Facts about American Kestrel

1. 07

   American Kestrels nest in cavities abandoned by woodpeckers or in specially designed nest boxes, often reusing the same site for multiple breeding seasons across their range.

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2. 06

   Females of the species are roughly 20 percent larger than males, with rufous plumage on their backs while males display blue-gray wings.

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3. 05

   North American populations of American Kestrels have declined by approximately 49 percent since 1966, according to data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

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4. 04

   Breeding pairs of American Kestrels typically raise two clutches per breeding season, with the female incubating 3 to 5 eggs for approximately 29 to 31 days.

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5. 03

   The American Kestrel's distinctive black malar stripes, or mustache marks, help reduce glare when diving at speeds up to 40 miles per hour during high-speed hunts.

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6. 02

   Hovering motionless in midair by rapidly beating their wings 21 times per second, American Kestrels can spot prey from 100 feet away.

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7. 01

   Weighing just 80 to 165 grams, the American Kestrel is the smallest falcon species in North America and hunts primarily insects and small rodents.

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