Seen on the entire continent. Fairly numerous but scarce in north during winter, migrates south in summer.

Frequents the coastal areas. Seen in open areas and along edge of forest.

Pale-banded, dark tail. Narrow white eyebrow, dark mustache. Males are blue-gray above while females and juvenile are brown. Streaked below with the females darker.

The northwest form is slightly darker with the white eyebrow missing or insignificant. Inland plains form much paler with mustache indistinct.

Hunts from a perch or by coursing (pursuing) it′s prey, either small birds or insects, but does not hover as does the kestrel.