American Kestrel in February
Where American are in February, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
February in the American Kestrel's year
February still feels like deep winter, but days are lengthening and the first stirrings of the breeding season begin — resident birds start singing on mild mornings and some early nesters are already claiming territories. Late-winter storms can be the hardest feeding days of the year.
For the American Kestrel specifically, February is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 61 states and provinces where American occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where American are in February
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In February, American are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in February
American are not nesting in February. The season runs March–June at mid-latitudes, starting roughly a month earlier in the South.
That makes February a useful month for nest-box work: cleaning out old nesting material, checking mounts and predator guards, and making repairs while boxes are empty. A box that's ready early gets claimed early.
What to feed in February
- Mice, voles and small birds
Perches on wires over short grass. A kestrel box on a pole or barn is often occupied within a season.
Don't let feeders run empty during late-winter storms; birds burn enormous energy staying warm. This is also the month to clean and repair nest boxes before early nesters move in.
Full American Kestrel diet guide → · Best feeder for American →
Watching American this month
American are settled and predictable in February, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
If you have a American Kestrel box up, this is the month to make sure it's clean, secure and ready — the box guide below has the exact hole size and mounting height this species needs.
American Kestrel month by month
American Kestrel by state
Frequently asked
Where are American in February?
In February, American are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do American nest in February?
No — American typically nest March through June at mid-latitudes.
What do American eat in February?
Mice, voles and small birds.
Sources
- American Kestrel — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Kestrel life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Kestrel — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.