are common residents of Missouri. They are the only North
American falcon or hawk that nests in cavities, such as
woodpecker holes or crevices in cliffs, barns and buildings.
They don't shy away from developed areas, and will even nest in
large cities. While handling the household duties of nesting and
rearing young, the female kestrel depends on the male to bring
home food. He does his job of hunter well. After he captures
prey, he flies back with it, calling as he nears the nest. The
female, hearing the call, leaves the nest and follows her mate
to a landing spot where she takes the food. Red-tailed hawks
also are common along Missouri's roadsides. They are stocky
brown birds much bigger than kestrels. They often perch on
utility poles or fence posts, or on tree branches in winter. A
close look reveals their dark belly-band and reddish tail. Red-
tailed hawks frequent prairies, forests, mountains, deserts,
farmlands and even suburban areas. If you look out across open
country in mid-morning, you may spot red