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The American Kestrel is a small falcon that nests in tree cavities adjacent to open habitats across Canada. The species is well monitored by the Breeding Bird Survey which indicates there has been a widespread decrease in its population since about 1970. The causes of this decrease are not well known (Smallwood et al. 2009). The species is a candidate wildlife species for assessment by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
While many raptors are increasing, the American Kestrel stands out as showing a long-term decline at the national level in Canada. Regeneration of marginal farmland, agricultural intensification and other processes leading to loss of open habitats mixed with trees are reducing suitable habitat for the species. Since kestrels eat insects (Smallwood and Bird 2002), the use of broad-scale insecticides has likely had an impact on this species’ food supply. The American Kestrel is a secondary cavity-nester, using holes excavated by woodpeckers such as Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpeckers for nest sites; it also readily accepts nest boxes (Smallwood and Bird 2002).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
