American Kestrel Nest Box

Find plans and helpful tips.

American kestrel nest box.

If european starlings or house sparrows build a nest in your box you are allowed to remove it and hope for a kestrel instead. Our smallest falcon the kestrel is also the most familiar and widespread in north america. Right bird right house interactive. The american kestrel is north america s smallest falcon and unlike its larger cousins this beautiful little bird chooses to nest in cavities i e holes in trees or other objects such as utility poles and buildings.

American kestrel nest box. The male s slate blue head and wings contrast elegantly with his rusty red back and tail. The female has the same warm reddish on her wings back and tail. Nest boxes will also occasionally attract bees in search of a new hive.

Installing american kestrel nest boxes. Life history the american kestrel falco sparverius is distributed throughout north america in open habitats grasslands open marshes agricultural lands parks and urban areas. In open country it is commonly seen perched on roadside wires or hovering low over a field on rapidly beating wings waiting to pounce on a grasshopper. They do not excavate their own nest cavities but use natural cavities or old holes created by woodpeckers mainly flickers.

In places where there are few large dead snags to provide nest sites they may rely on nesting boxes put up for. However if any other bird decides to use your nest box federal law prohibits you from removing their nest or disturbing their nesting in any way. Features of a good birdhouse infographic. Kestrels nest in cavities in trees.

Because american kestrels don t create their own nests they will choose a variety of cavity types. American kestrel nest box plan and information. Do you want to build a nest box or have one already. This includes barn and roof crevices old woodpecker cavities and constructed nest boxes.

But it needs to be located in the correct habitat and on the proper structure to have a chance to attract the kestrels and also for them to nest successfully. They will also accept artifi. American kestrels will readily use boxes for breeding during spring and even roosting during winter. Ok so you have built a kestrel nest box and now it is ready to be used by these small falcons.

Photo courtesy of megan hines. North america s littlest falcon the american kestrel packs a predator s fierce intensity into its small body. American kestrels are cavity nesters. It s one of the most colorful of all raptors.

Here are free american kestrel nest box plans information and tips when building and placing your box. American kestrel nest box plans. The floor size for this nest box design provides almost 93 square inches which is close to 50 larger than the 8 x 8 floors recommended in the majority of american kestrel nest box designs available in the lit erature or online. American kestrel nest boxes instructions for assembly and installation about the american kestrel.