American Kestrels are the smallest falcon in North America — a 4-ounce raptor that hunts grasshoppers and small rodents.
They have UV-sensitive vision and can detect rodent urine trails from the air, a major hunting advantage.
Populations have declined sharply over the last 30 years; nest box programs are part of an ongoing recovery effort.
Kestrels need open hunting ground and a tall nest site. A properly-built kestrel box on a pole in a pasture can attract a pair.
Mount a kestrel-sized box 10–20 ft up on a pole, large tree, or barn wall in fully open habitat.
OPEN ground — pasture, farm field, or large lawn — within sight of the box. They hover-hunt, so they need clear airspace.
Insects, small rodents, and lizards from the surrounding habitat. No feeders work.
European Starlings often dominate kestrel boxes — site in true open country, away from urban edges.
Don't site near dense trees; kestrels need open hunting visibility.
A widespread small falcon found across most of North and South America, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
Year-round in middle latitudes; northern birds migrate south.
Common breeder across the southern half of every province.
Resident throughout, including the Caribbean.
Open and semi-open country: pastures, grasslands, deserts, agricultural land, golf courses, and roadside corridors with perches and mowed ground.
North America's smallest falcon — open habitat (farms, grasslands). Add 2" wood shavings; predator guard mandatory.