Habitat: short ground vegetation and sparse trees

Found in meadows, grasslands, deserts, parks, farm fields, cities, and suburbs

Continent's most common and widespread falcon

Males have blue/gray crown and wings

Capable of hovering

Like many birds, can see into the UV light spectrum. Rodent urine reflects UV light, so Kestrals can identify and hover over active rodent holes or dens.

Dark lines on face absorb glare

Mistakenly called sparrowhawks in some parts of the U.S. because they will hunt sparrows. (Sparrowhawks are a European bird.)

Bob their head when perched and will pump their tail