Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Kestrels
Crécerelles
Falconidae
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
North American Bird Search Box
The American Kestrel is the only North American kestrel that is native to the continent. The Eurasian Kestrel is a vagrant that shows up mostly during the migration period.
Most often, the kestrels can be seen perched on utility poles or lines, taking advantages of the man-made perches. They can be recognized by their hovering above the ground in farm fields, maintaining one position in the sky, as they search the grounds below for voles and other types of rodents. Not so long ago, the American Kestrel was known as the Sparrow Hawk, and is still remembered nowadays by this name from time to time. These small falcons are cavity nesters. Where may make use of an abandoned woodpecker nest or other type of holes located in trees.
Reference to Other Bird Site:
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.