North America’s most common falcon, the American Kestrel is also the smallest at only 10.5 inches (27 cm). The kestrel will often hover to catch its prey, feeding mostly on insects, reptiles and small mammals. Kestrels also will feed on small birds during the winter months. Kestrels prefer to hunt in open country, and they are often observed on tree branches and power lines. Kestrels can be seen in prairie edges near the visitor center and throughout the park beginning in March and throughout the summer.