The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest species of falcon in North America and one of the most colorful. They are small falcons reaching up to 15 inches long. Males have a blue wing, bare tail, and black spots on its chest. Females have brown wings, chestnut spots on its chest, and a barred tail. Both sexes have a white face, black "ears", a black teardrop, blue cap, red spot on top of the cap, rufous nape, breast, and collar, chestnut back, tail, black wing tips, and a black spot on the nape. They live all over America, wintering in Central America, breeding in Canada, and living year-round in the United States. Kestrels live in semi-open country. Kestrels eat insects, birds, and mice. They nest in old woodpecker holes, natural cavities, and nest boxes.
