Meet the American Kestrel, a Blue Jay–sized falcon with outsized hunting skills, and get your free raptor ID guide.

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A kestrel spreads its wings

American Kestrel © Mark Parker / Macaulay Library

The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon—about the size of a Blue Jay—yet it carries all the agility and hunting skill of much larger raptors. Perched on a wire or hovering against the wind, kestrels keep a sharp eye on the ground below, striking swiftly at insects, rodents, and even small birds.

Two American Kestrels perch together. the one on the left is more rufous, while the one on the right has some blue plumage.

American Kestrel © Jerry Liguori / Macaulay Library

Brilliant & Distinct
Their plumage makes them one of the most colorful and easy-to-identify raptors. Males flash slate-blue wings and a rusty back, while females wear rich rufous patterned with bold barring.

An American Kestrel seems to hover in the air, beating its wings to stay aloft.

American Kestrel © Jerry Liguori / Macaulay Library

Hovering Hunters
Kestrels are famous for their hunting style. When a perch isn’t handy, they face into the wind and hang motionless in the air, wings beating and tail fanned, before diving with pinpoint precision on prey ranging from grasshoppers to voles.

An American Kestrel perches facing away, revealing the dark spot on the back of its head

American Kestrel © Nick Swan / Macaulay Library

Clever Adaptations
American Kestrels have two dark spots on the back of their heads. These “eyespots” mimic the look of eyes and may help deter predators from attacking from behind. One of these spots is visible in the image to the left.

It's no wonder this tiny falcon has captured the hearts of so many birders! Find this small but mighty raptor on All About Birds to keep learning with life history information, ID tips, and range maps. 

More About the American Kestrel

 

Your Free Raptor ID Guide

Raptors can be tricky to identify at a distance, but key patterns of light and dark provide reliable clues. This free guide offers clear reference photos to help you recognize markings and contrast, even from a quick glimpse overhead. Download your raptor ID photo guide.

Download Your Raptor ID Photo Guide

 

Explore More Raptor Resources

    • Try the sample Swainson’s Hawk ID lesson from our full Be a Better Birder: Hawk & Raptor Identification course.
    • Read When Goshawks Ruled the Autumn Skies to learn how observers documented extraordinary flights of these secretive forest hawks.
    • Watch American Kestrel Cam highlights: Revisit the 2025 breeding season from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

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