American Kestrel

Evidence of Trouble

The American Kestrel is a bird in trouble. The change in where kestrels have been found breeding from Mass Audubon's first Breeding Bird Atlas to its second are telling. This change map underscores the number of areas where kestrels have disappeared:

Here's a map showing where American Kestrels were Possibly breeding, Probably breeding, and Confirmed to be breeding during Atlas 1 (1974-1979).

This map shows the same data for Atlas 2 (2006-2011):

According to Mass Audubon Breeding Bird Atlas data, American Kestrels have experienced more than a 33% drop in block occupancy in the few decades between Atlas 1 and Atlas 2. You don't need to take our word for it, though. The United States Geological Survey performs its own Breeding Bird Survey each year. Here is its graph for the number of American Kestrels counted each year in Massachusetts from 1966 to 2007:

The BBS data indicates a drop in the kestrel population of 9.3% every year. Finally, the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count data can show us how many birds there are still in Massachusetts during the winter. The data is expressed in terms of number of birds seen per "party hour," an expression of total effort expended over time.

All indices point to a real decline in American Kestrel populations. Learn more about the different threats facing these birds, and find out how you can help save the American Kestrel.