General Description: American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are small falcons with a red back and a red tail. There are two narrow, vertical black marks on the face. Wings of female red; male gray.

Falcons are recognized from other birds of prey by the long, narrow, pointed wings.

Taxonomy: Falconiformes, Falconidae, Falconinae

Favored Habitat: Open areas with places to perch. Kestrels often hunt by hovering stationary in the air before diving on a prey item.

Where to Find: Fairly common, look for them in the desert and other open areas. Fairly common in town too.

Comments: American Kestrels mostly eat grasshoppers, beetles, and other large insects, but they also eat small lizards, small snakes, and field mice. During winter, they hunt small birds such as Dark-eyed Juncos and House Finches that are attracted to bird feeders.