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American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Bird · family Falconidae · order Falconiformes

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G5: secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

American Kestrel
Photo: Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Not listed[1]
NatureServe global rank
G5 Secure[2]
Native in
50 states[3]
Oldest known wild bird
14 years[4]

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a bird in the family Falconidae[5]. NatureServe ranks it G5, which means Secure worldwide, and it is not listed under the US Endangered Species Act[2][1].

Conservation status

NatureServe gives the American Kestrel a global rank of G5 (Secure)[2]. Its national rank for the United States is N5B,N5N, Secure for breeding birds and Secure for nonbreeding birds[6]. The IUCN Red List category recorded by NatureServe is Least concern[7]. The bird is not listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act in USFWS data checked on 2026-10-30[1]. It is on the federal list of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act[8]. CITES lists it in Appendix II, which sets controls on international trade[9].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Not listed
NatureServe global rank[2] G5 (Secure)
NatureServe US rank[6] N5B,N5N (Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding))
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[7] Least concern
Migratory Bird Treaty Act[8] Protected
CITES (international trade)[9] Appendix II

Where American Kestrel lives

NatureServe lists the American Kestrel as native in 50 US states and territories, including the District of Columbia[3]. The list runs from Alaska and California to Texas, Florida and Maine[3]. Northern breeding birds, including those in Alaska and parts of the northern US, move south for the northern winter to the southern US and Mexico[10]. State lists show where NatureServe records the species, so they do not promise you will see one there[3].

Alaska: native, state rank S4BAKMaine: native, state rank S3N,S5BMEWisconsin: native, state rank S3BWIVermont: native, state rank S4VTNew Hampshire: native, state rank S3BNHWashington: native, state rank S4B,S4NWAIdaho: native, state rank S3IDMontana: native, state rank S5MTNorth Dakota: native, state rank SNRB,SNRNNDMinnesota: native, state rank SNRB,SNRNMNIllinois: native, state rank S4ILMichigan: native, state rank S5MINew York: native, state rank S5BNYMassachusetts: native, state rank S3MAOregon: native, state rank S5ORNevada: native, state rank S3NVWyoming: native, state rank S5BWYSouth Dakota: native, state rank S5B,S4NSDIowa: native, state rank S5B,S5NIAIndiana: native, state rank S4INOhio: native, state rank S5OHPennsylvania: native, state rank S4B,S4N,S4MPANew Jersey: native, state rank S2B,S2NNJConnecticut: native, state rank S3CTRhode Island: native, state rank S4BRICalifornia: native, state rank SNRCAUtah: native, state rank S3UTColorado: native, state rank S5BCONebraska: native, state rank S5NEMissouri: native, state rank SNRB,SNRNMOKentucky: native, state rank S5B,S5NKYWest Virginia: native, state rank S3B,S3NWVVirginia: native, state rank S4VAMaryland: native, state rank S3BMDDelaware: native, state rank S2B,S3NDEArizona: native, state rank S3AZNew Mexico: native, state rank S5B,S5NNMKansas: native, state rank S4B,S5NKSArkansas: native, state rank S2B,S4NARTennessee: native, state rank S5TNNorth Carolina: native, state rank S2B,S5NNCSouth Carolina: native, state rank S3SCDistrict of Columbia: native, state rank S2B,S3NDCOklahoma: native, state rank SNROKLouisiana: native, state rank S3B,S5NLAMississippi: native, state rank S3B,S4NMSAlabama: native, state rank S3B,S5NALGeorgia: native, state rank S3GAHawaii: not recordedHITexas: native, state rank S4BTXFlorida: native, state rank SNRB,SNRNFLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[11].
Show state ranks (50 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaS3B,S5NVulnerable (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
AlaskaS4BApparently Secure (breeding)
ArizonaS3Vulnerable
ArkansasS2B,S4NImperiled (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
CaliforniaSNRNot Ranked
ColoradoS5BSecure (breeding)
ConnecticutS3Vulnerable
DelawareS2B,S3NImperiled (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
District of ColumbiaS2B,S3NImperiled (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
FloridaSNRB,SNRNNot Ranked (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding)
GeorgiaS3Vulnerable
IdahoS3Vulnerable
IllinoisS4Apparently Secure
IndianaS4Apparently Secure
IowaS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
KansasS4B,S5NApparently Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
KentuckyS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
LouisianaS3B,S5NVulnerable (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
MaineS3N,S5BVulnerable (nonbreeding), Secure (breeding)
MarylandS3BVulnerable (breeding)
MassachusettsS3Vulnerable
MichiganS5Secure
MinnesotaSNRB,SNRNNot Ranked (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding)
MississippiS3B,S4NVulnerable (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
MissouriSNRB,SNRNNot Ranked (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding)
MontanaS5Secure
NebraskaS5Secure
NevadaS3Vulnerable
New HampshireS3BVulnerable (breeding)
New JerseyS2B,S2NImperiled (breeding), Imperiled (nonbreeding)
New MexicoS5B,S5NSecure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
New YorkS5BSecure (breeding)
North CarolinaS2B,S5NImperiled (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)
North DakotaSNRB,SNRNNot Ranked (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding)
OhioS5Secure
OklahomaSNRNot Ranked
OregonS5Secure
PennsylvaniaS4B,S4N,S4MApparently Secure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding), Apparently Secure (migrant)
Rhode IslandS4BApparently Secure (breeding)
South CarolinaS3Vulnerable
South DakotaS5B,S4NSecure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
TennesseeS5Secure
TexasS4BApparently Secure (breeding)
UtahS3Vulnerable
VermontS4Apparently Secure
VirginiaS4Apparently Secure
WashingtonS4B,S4NApparently Secure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
West VirginiaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
WisconsinS3BVulnerable (breeding)
WyomingS5BSecure (breeding)

Habitat

The American Kestrel uses open or partly open country[12]. NatureServe records habitat types such as grassland, savanna, desert, cliff, old field, cropland with hedgerows, suburban areas and orchards, riparian areas, and hardwood, conifer and mixed woodland[13]. It nests in natural holes in trees, old woodpecker holes, and holes in buildings or cliffs[12]. It also uses nest boxes, and these may greatly raise the number of nesting pairs in some areas[12].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[13]

Size, diet and lifespan

NatureServe records the American Kestrel as a meat eater that also eats many invertebrates (animals without a backbone, such as insects)[14]. One diet estimate is 60% invertebrates, 20% warm-blooded vertebrates and 20% reptiles and amphibians[15]. In summer it eats insects such as grasshoppers and crickets, plus small animals like snakes, lizards, birds and mice[16]. A typical bird is about 27 cm (11 in) long[17]. It weighs about 160 g[18]. A clutch is 3 to 7, and usually 4 to 5[19]. The longest recorded lifespan is 17 years in captivity, and the oldest known wild bird was at least 14 years 8 months old[20][4].

Trait Value
Typical length[17] 27 cm (11 in)
Typical adult weight[18] 160 g (5.6 oz)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[20] 17 years (captivity)
Oldest known wild bird (banding)[4] 14 years 8 months
Litter or clutch size[21] 4.6
Gestation or incubation[22] 29 days
Female maturity[23] 365 days (about 1.0 years)
Food habits[14] Carnivore, Invertivore
Migration[24] non-migrant, local migrant, long-distance migrant

Estimated diet composition (EltonTraits 1.0)[15]

  • 60% invertebrates
  • 20% warm-blooded vertebrates
  • 20% reptiles and amphibians

When to look for it

The American Kestrel is active in daytime, which is called diurnal[25]. It hunts most in the morning and late afternoon and rests in the middle of the day[26]. Some birds stay in one area all year, some move short distances, and some travel long distances, and this can differ between populations[24]. Observation records on GBIF are highest in January, April and December[27]. Those records show when people look and report, not how many birds there are[27].

January: 556,268 recordsJanFebruary: 410,761 recordsFebMarch: 403,670 recordsMarApril: 429,908 recordsAprMay: 303,988 recordsMayJune: 203,721 recordsJunJuly: 187,096 recordsJulAugust: 219,574 recordsAugSeptember: 361,814 recordsSepOctober: 413,128 recordsOctNovember: 401,937 recordsNovDecember: 483,447 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[27].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January556,268
February410,761
March403,670
April429,908
May303,988
June203,721
July187,096
August219,574
September361,814
October413,128
November401,937
December483,447

Where to see it

National Park Service species lists record American Kestrel as present in 231 park units[28]. Present means the park has a confirmed record, not that sightings are common.

And 207 more park units.

States with the most GBIF observation records: California, Texas, Florida, Colorado, Arizona[29]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Questions people ask

Is the American Kestrel endangered?
No. It is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[1]. NatureServe ranks it G5, Secure[2].
Where does the American Kestrel live?
NatureServe lists it as native in 50 US states and territories[3]. It uses open or partly open habitat such as grassland, desert, farmland and open woodland[13][12].
What does the American Kestrel eat?
In summer it eats insects like grasshoppers and crickets, and small animals such as snakes, lizards, birds and mice[16]. One estimate puts invertebrates at 60% of its diet[15].
How big is an American Kestrel?
NatureServe records a typical length of 27 cm (11 in)[17]. The typical weight is 160 g[18].
How long does an American Kestrel live?
The oldest known wild bird was at least 14 years 8 months old[4]. The longest recorded lifespan is 17 years in captivity[20].

Facts and sources

  1. American Kestrel is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in USFWS ECOS data (checked 2026-10-30). USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for American Kestrel: G5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists American Kestrel as native in 50 US states and territories: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,... NatureServe Explorer
  4. Oldest known wild American Kestrel from US and Canadian bird banding records: at least 14 years 8 months old (USGS Bird Banding Laboratory). USGS Bird Banding Lab
  5. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a bird in the family Falconidae, order Falconiformes. NatureServe Explorer
  6. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N5B,N5N (Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)). NatureServe Explorer
  7. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  8. American Kestrel is on the federal list of migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (50 CFR 10.13). eCFR, 50 CFR 10.13
  9. CITES listing recorded by NatureServe: Appendix II (controls on international trade). NatureServe Explorer
  10. NatureServe notes on migration for American Kestrel. NatureServe Explorer
  11. NatureServe state ranks for American Kestrel (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  12. NatureServe notes on habitat for American Kestrel. NatureServe Explorer
  13. Habitat types NatureServe records for American Kestrel: Woodland - hardwood, Woodland - conifer, Woodland - mixed, Savanna, Grassland/herbaceous, Old field, Desert, Cliff, Cropland/hedgerow, Suburban/orchard, Riparian. NatureServe Explorer
  14. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Carnivore, Invertivore. NatureServe Explorer
  15. Estimated diet composition in EltonTraits 1.0: 60% invertebrates, 20% warm-blooded vertebrates, 20% reptiles and amphibians. EltonTraits 1.0
  16. NatureServe notes on food for American Kestrel. NatureServe Explorer
  17. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 27 cm (11 in). NatureServe Explorer
  18. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 160 g (5.6 oz). NatureServe Explorer
  19. NatureServe notes on reproduction for American Kestrel. NatureServe Explorer
  20. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 17 years in captivity. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  21. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 4.6. AnAge
  22. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 29 days. AnAge
  23. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 365 days (about 1.0 years). AnAge
  24. NatureServe migration category for American Kestrel: non-migrant, local migrant, long-distance migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  25. Adult activity patterns recorded by NatureServe: Diurnal. NatureServe Explorer
  26. NatureServe notes on phenology for American Kestrel. NatureServe Explorer
  27. GBIF observation records of American Kestrel in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  28. NPSpecies park lists recording American Kestrel as present (list on this page). NPS NPSpecies
  29. US states with the most GBIF observation records of American Kestrel: California, Texas, Florida, Colorado, Arizona. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.