American Ketrel

American Kestrel Nest Box Installation

American Kestrels are North America’s smallest and most widespread falcon. Males have blue/gray wings, rusty colored backs, and rusty colored tails with black tips. Females have rusty colored barred wings, backs, and tails. They live in open habitats such as open fields, grassy meadows, and power line right-of-ways. They are secondary cavity nesters, meaning that they nest in cavities that occur naturally or have been previously hollowed out by other birds. They also depend on scattered trees for perching while hunting. They eat mostly insects and small mammals, but also consume small birds, frogs, and lizards.

In some areas American Kestrel populations are in slight decline because of a decrease in nesting habitat. Because of this it is fairly common practice to build and install nest boxes in appropriate areas. This week we installed a nest box in a portion of prairie along the southern part of the Stone Park.  There are several different Kestrel nest box designs – the picture below shows the style we chose. We added two inches of wood shavings for nesting material so that the box is ready for use. Boxes should be placed 10 to 20 feet above the ground on a stable wooden post or pole. They should be placed in areas that include hunting perches and suitable hunting habitat.

 

Kestrels begin to nest in mid-March. After the females lay their eggs they incubate for about 30 days before hatching occurs. They are then cared for by the adults for an additional 30 to 38 days before the leaving the nest and are dependent on parents for food for about another two weeks before they disperse and become independent. We hope that we will be able to see some Kestrels using this box within the next few years. When you visit the park be sure and keep your eyes open for a glimpse of these impressive birds!

-S.H.