The American Sparrow Hawk or Kestrel is one of the prettiest birds around. Despite being called a hawk, this is actually the smallest falcon found in the United States. It has a unique ability among raptors, in that it can hover, which is a flight technique it uses for hunting small rodents and other critters.
While there are many threats to raptors, one of the most problematic, and one that could specifically affect Kestrels and other rodent hunters, is the use of rodentcides or rat poisons around one’s property. These poisons can actually kill a bird if the mouse is caught and ingested. Many of these rodents don’t die quickly, which allows them to go some distance away from the treated bait. Kestrels, Barred, and Barn Owls, can die of the secondary poisoning. Be sure to look for better and safer solutions.