In this paper, we proposed an approach to clustering based on bio-inspired behaviour and distributed energy efficient model. The motivation to propose this clustering approach is due to the challenge of performance in terms of finding an efficient way to send data packets to base stations and to maintain the lifetime performance of wireless sensor networks. The bio-inspired approach adopted the behaviour of a bird called Kestrel. This behaviour is expressed using mathematical formulation and then translated into an algorithm. The bio-inspired algorithm is combined with the distributed energy efficient model for clustering to ensure efficient energy optimization. The proposed clustering approach, referred to as DEEC-KSA, is evaluated through simulation and compared with benchmarked clustering algorithms. The result of simulation showed that the performance of DEEC-KSA is efficient among the comparative clustering algorithms for energy optimization in terms of stability period, network lifetime and network throughput. Additionally, the proposed DEEC-KSA has the optimal time (in seconds) to send packets to base station successfully.