MWC Eco-brief: Smallest North American Falcon

The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. In the Upper Midwest, this species is often perched on powerlines eyeing road ditches for mice, grasshoppers, or other prey. Unfortunately, the American kestrel is a declining species in need of diligent conservation efforts. Kestrels will use large nest boxes, in some states you may see such boxes hanging on the back side of highway signs. If kestrels live in your area, installing correctly sized and located nest boxes on your property and reducing pesticide use could help the species.