American Kestral

Falco sparverius

Habitat

The American kestral lives in many different environments including meadows, grasslands, desserts, urban and suburban areas.

Diet in the wild

Grasshoppers, lizards, mice and other small birds

Diet at the Zoo

Mice

Fascinating Facts

• Only species of kestral found in North America
• Smallest falcon in North America
• Averages 6 to 8 inches in height
• Nests 10 to 30 feet high in tree cavities
• Can fly up to 40 miles per hour in short bursts of flight