American Kestrel

Kestrel Box

presented as an educational service by the

CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER/CAROLINA RAPTOR ASSOCIATION

PO Box 16443, Charlotte, North Carolina 28297-6443

(704) 597-4958

www.birdsofprey.org

The Carolina Raptor Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, public corporation dedicated to the rehabilitation, research, reproduction, and conservation of birds of prey and the education of the public of the public.

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) also known as the Sparrow Hawk, is the smallest and most brightly colored falcon in North America. Falcons are fast flying hawks, jets of the bird world, due to their long, narrow wings. Kestrels prefer open habitats and are often seen perched on wires along country roads. They are about the size of Mourning Doves and can be unfortunate victims of mistaken identity during dove hunting season.

Kestrels are versatile hunters that take insects whenever they can be found, but shift to hunting for mice when insects are not available. Kestrels nest in holes and breed only where natural or man-made cavities exist. Thus their local breeding distribution is limited by the availability of suitable nest sites. The Carolina Raptor Center encourages you to help this beneficial and attractive raptor by building a kestrel box!

SUGGESTIONS:

	Help protect natural nest and roost sites. Dead trees are valuable to our wildlife!
	Use wood that weathers well (1" thick western cedar, cypress, or redwood) for best results and durability.
	Remove protrusions (nails or screws) that can cause injury to the birds.
	If necessary, paint or stain only the outside of the box.
	Since kestrels take no nesting materials into the box, place a layer 2-3" of wood shavings or coarse sawdust on the bottom. Do not use cedar shavings or sawdust because it is harmful to the young.
	Place the box on a pole, building, or lone tree in an open field or meadow or along a fence row 10-20' from the ground.
	Place the box so that the hole is facing away from prevailing winds and is free of twigs and branches for an uninhibited exit by the kestrel.
	If possible, place the box where it is most inaccessible to kestrel predators (cats, raccoons, etc.) or place a 30" high metal sleeve around the tree or pole.
	Monitor in the spring to keep Starlings and House Sparrows out of the box. Since kestrels and Screech Owls use no nesting materials, remove any nesting materials found.
	Screech Owls are welcomed tenants!! They have pure white eggs.

EGGS: 3-5, White/cinnamon-colored with brown spots

INCUBATION: 28 days

For kestrel box instructions, click here.