Yes, there are kestrels found in New Jersey. The American kestrel is the most common and widespread kestrel species found in the state.
What types of kestrels live in New Jersey?
There are two main species of kestrel that inhabit New Jersey:
- American Kestrel: This is the most common and widespread kestrel in New Jersey. They are year-round residents of the state.
- Merlin: A winter migrant in New Jersey. They breed further north and migrate down to New Jersey for the winter months.
The American kestrel is by far the most prevalent type of kestrel in New Jersey. They can be found statewide and in a variety of habitats from rural farmlands to urban areas.
What do kestrels look like?
American kestrels are small, compact falcons. They are diminutive compared to other birds of prey. Here are some key identification features:
- Size: 7-12 inches long, wingspan of 20-24 inches
- Coloring: Rufous back and tail, with some blue-gray wings. Males have blue-gray wings, while females have brown barred wings and back.
- Markings: Bold black vertical stripes under the eyes known as “kestrel mustaches”
- Shape: Pointed wings and long tails
The merlin is a fiercer looking falcon, though still compact. It is blue-gray above with heavy streaking on the underparts. It has a bold face pattern with thick mustache stripes.
Where in New Jersey are kestrels found?
American kestrels can be found statewide in New Jersey. They occupy a wide range of habitats including:
- Fields, meadows, and grasslands
- Agricultural areas like pastures and hayfields
- Clear cuts and forest openings
- Suburban parks, gardens, and yards
- Roadsides and rights-of-way
- Cliffsides and rocky outcrops
- Marshes and wetland edges
- Pine barrens
They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both rural and developed areas. Kestrels seek out open habitats with some trees or structures for perching and nesting.
Notable kestrel hotspots in NJ
- Cape May Peninsula
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- High Point State Park
- Garret Mountain Reservation
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
When can kestrels be seen in New Jersey?
American kestrels are year-round residents of New Jersey. They can be spotted during any season statewide. Here is the general timing of kestrels in NJ:
- Year-round: American kestrels are permanent residents and breed, nest, and winter in the state.
- Winter: Merlins migrate down to NJ for the winter from November to March.
- Migration: Peak migration of American kestrels occurs in September/October and April/May as northern populations move through the state.
- Nesting season: Kestrels nest from mid-March through July with peak activity in May/June.
The best times to observe kestrel courtship displays are February to July. Fledged juveniles also become more visible and active in June/July.
What do kestrels eat?
Kestrels are carnivorous birds of prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Preferred prey items include:
- Voles
- Mice
- Shrews
- Moles
- Large insects
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Caterpillars
- Small snakes
- Lizards
- Frogs
They hunt by perching on an elevated perch then swooping down quickly to grab prey with their talons. Kestrels are “falconers” and do not typically scavenge.
How do kestrels nest in New Jersey?
Kestrels nest in cavities in trees, crevices in cliffs, and nest boxes. They do not build their own nests. Nest sites are usually 10-30 feet above ground in an opening or cavity.
Typical nest sites include:
- Woodpecker cavities
- Natural hollows in trees
- Nest boxes
- Nooks in buildings
- Crevices in rocks
- Holes in silos, barns, etc.
The female lays a clutch of 4-5 eggs that incubate for about 30 days. The young fledge at 4-5 weeks old. Kestrels may reuse nest sites in consecutive years.
What threats do kestrels face in New Jersey?
The American kestrel population has declined in New Jersey over the past few decades due to threats including:
- Habitat loss – Lost meadows, fields, and farmland to development
- Decline in food sources – Rodent control and insecticides reduce prey
- Climate change – May impact migration and nesting cycles
- Nest site competition – Loss of cavities to European starlings
- Predators – Hawks, owls, cats, raccoons, snakes prey on eggs/young
Despite the decline, kestrels remain fairly common across the state. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to monitor and protect kestrel populations in New Jersey.
| Year | NJ Kestrel Population Estimate |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 16,000 pairs |
| 1990 | 12,000 pairs |
| 2000 | 8,000 pairs |
| 2010 | 6,000 pairs |
How can I attract kestrels to my yard?
You can make your yard attractive to kestrels by providing:
- Open perches: Leave some dead snags, posts, or branches for hunting perches.
- Prey habitat: Allow vegetation like meadows and brush piles where rodents and insects live.
- Nest boxes: Put up a kestrel nest box with proper dimensions and placement.
- Water: Supply a bird bath or fountain for drinking and bathing.
- Shelter: Have some bushes, shrubs, and trees for cover from predators and storms.
Avoid pesticides, keep cats indoors, and remove invasive European starlings to create a welcoming habitat for kestrels.
Kestrel nest box tips:
- Use a design specifically for kestrels (dimensions, hole size, etc).
- Place 10-30 feet high on a tree, post, or building.
- Face entry hole south or east towards rising sun.
- Add wood shavings or gravel as nesting substrate.
- Install in March before breeding season.
Where can I see kestrels in New Jersey?
Some of the best places to spot kestrels in New Jersey include:
- Cape May Point State Park
- Bellevue State Park
- Sandy Hook
- Garret Mountain Reservation
- High Point State Park
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Dorbrook Recreation Area
- Assunpink Wildlife Management Area
- Countless rural fields, meadows, and open country
Remember to bring binoculars and scan treetops, fence posts, telephone poles, and other high perches for hunting kestrels.
Conclusion
The American kestrel is thriving across the diverse landscapes of New Jersey. These charismatic little falcons can be found year-round in both rural and urban habitats. With their cavity nesting habits, kestrels may benefit from properly installed and maintained nest boxes. Public education and monitoring efforts will help ensure New Jersey’s kestrel population remains protected well into the future.
