American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) 

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Identification

• smallest falcon
• rusty brown back and tail
• lighter, speckled below
• male has bluish gray wings, female brown
• two black vertical stripes on light face ("mustaches")
• 10.5" (27 cm.)

Habitat

• open areas--grasslands, pastures with short, sparse vegetation

Additional Information

• common migrant and summer resident
• uncommon winter resident
• nests in tree cavities and nest boxes
• hunts for mice, grasshoppers and other insects from roadside wires, posts, snags