American Kestrel

American kestrels (Falco sparverius) are North America’s smallest members of the falcon family, measuring between 8 and 10 inches in length. In Arizona, they nest in flicker holes in saguaro cactuses, as well as beneath the untrimmed fronds of palm trees, according to the Tucson Bird Alliance. Grasshoppers are a favorite meal for kestrels, but small mammals, birds and lizards are also fair game. Notably, the birds have two black spots — known as ocelli (Latin for “little eyes”) — on the backs of their heads to deter potential predators.