Loch Lomond Birds of Prey - American Kestrel

The American Kestrel is the smallest and most colourful of North American Falcons. Males have a rust back with some black bars, a rust tail and bluish-grey wings; females are brown, barred with black on back and tail, and buff with brownish streaks underneath.

Unique in that they are the only North American falcon or hawk to nest in cavities not only in natural cavities and woodpecker holes but in the eaves of buildings and barns and in nest boxes as well. Habitat is mostly farmland, suburban and urban areas.

Kestrels typically hunt from a conspicuous perch or hover like miniature helicopters. The flight is buoyant, graceful and rapid, they require high perches from which to hunt. Their natural diet consists mainly of bats, mice and shrews.