This is Birdnuck.

The American Kestrel, small, numerous, and widespread.

Watch for one of these North American Falcons perched on a utility wire, bobbing its tail.

True to the name Falcons, this species is built for speed, with long pointed wings, often

bent back at the tip.

If a suitable perch isn't available, American Kestrels will hover above an open field.

But facing into the wind, they flap their wings and use their tails to hold their position.

From a loft, Kestrels watch for insects, small mammals, and reptiles, which they overtake

and capture.

Don't be fooled by their small size, equal to that of a Robin.

These are fierce hunters.

Using their notched beaks, Kestrels quickly subdued their prey by severing the spinal cord

at the neck.

The lack of suitable nesting cavities limits Kestrel populations in some areas.

And this has led people to install wooden nest boxes.

Many states now have Kestrel nest box programs, placing boxes along interstate highways.

On I-35 in Iowa, there's a Kestrel box nearly every mile, from Minnesota to Missouri.

The Kestrels readily adapt to these boxes, and return each spring to set up housekeeping.

You can find out more about Kestrels, including photos and plans for a nest box on our website,

birdnote.org.

I'm Michael Stein.

Support for Bird Note is provided by Jim and Beer to Falkenner from Seattle, Washington,

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