What is the primary prey for American Kestrels during the summer?

The primary prey for American Kestrels during the summer consists of insects and small mammals. This is due to the kestrel's size and hunting technique, which allows it to effectively capture these easier and more abundant food sources. Insects, such as grasshoppers and crickets, along with small mammals like voles or shrews, are vital for their diet during the warmer months when these animals are plentiful. Their hunting strategy often involves hovering in place and scanning the ground for movement, making them adept at catching their typical summer prey. The availability of these resources during summer months contributes significantly to their reproductive success, as they require substantial energy to raise their young.

While other options like small birds, larger mammals, or reptiles may be part of the kestrel's diet at different times or circumstances, they do not constitute the primary food source during the summer months when insects and small mammals are abundant.