The American Kestrel, North America’s smallest falcon, is a widespread and familiar raptor in Arizona, occurring year-round in a variety of open habitats including deserts, grasslands, agricultural fields, and urban areas. Males are striking with slate-blue wings, rufous backs and tails, and two bold black facial stripes, while females are rufous overall with finely barred wings and tails. In Arizona, kestrels hunt from perches or by hovering, preying on large insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds, often swallowing grasshoppers and lizards whole. They nest primarily in cavities in saguaro cacti, trees, utility poles, and nest boxes, with breeding beginning as early as March. While common and adaptable, American Kestrels have experienced declines in some parts of their range due to habitat loss and reduced nesting opportunities, making conservation of open hunting areas and nest sites important for maintaining healthy populations in the state.
