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Missouri American Kestrel Nesting Box Instructions

American kestrels are small, colorful falcons found throughout most of the United States. They favor grasslands and open fields, but are also found in suburban and residential areas. They are the only raptors in North America that nest in tree cavities. But because most natural sources of appropriate cavities -- old-growth trees and large trees -- are growing scarce due to development, the American kestrel populations has declined dangerously in many areas. American kestrals regularly pass through Missouri during migration, but summer residents and breeding birds are uncommon in the state. To aid in their conservation, bird lovers can build nest boxes, which have proven successful elsewhere in helping American kestrels breed and thrive.

Things You'll Need

Untreated wood panels
Rust-proof nails and screws
Hammer
Saw
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Choose your materials. Nest boxes should be constructed of untreated solid wood or exterior grade plywood. Choose planks between 1/2 and 1 inch in thickness. Thicker walls protect the birds from extreme temperatures, so use thicker planks if you are planning to place your box in an area known for extreme heat or cold during the spring and summer, the times when American kestrels nest. Don't bother sanding the wood -- birds prefer the rougher, more natural texture of unsanded wood, which helps them cling to the sides of the box when entering or leaving it.
- 2
  Cut the walls, roof, and floor for the nest box. Successful nest boxes for American kestrels are typically rectangular in shape and about twice as tall as they are wide. The floor should be at least 8 by 10 inches, but need not be any bigger than 12 by 12 inches. The front wall of the nest box must have a 3-inch round entry hole for the birds. This entry hole should be about 9 to 12 inches above the floor of the next box. A sloped roof with a slight overhang will help drain rain off the box and provide some shade for birds as they move in and out.
- 3
  Assemble the nest box with maintenance in mind. It's important to keep the box clean, dry and sanitary. Cut small drainage holes near the corners of the floor to ensure any water than enters the box will drain out, and make sure the front wall or one of the side walls can open outwards so you can check and clean the box during nesting season. Line the box with a 1-inch-thick layer of wood chips (not sawdust) for the birds to use as nesting material.
- 4
  Place the finished nest box in a kestrel-friendly area. Because American kestrels favor open fields, nest boxes for them should be placed in such areas. Other good locations include pastures, power line and highway rights-of-way and open areas close to waterways. To avoid possible colonization of the nest boxes by starlings or squirrels, keep them at least 50 yards away from woodland edges and developed areas. Attach your nest box to a tree or post so that the entrance hole is between 15 and 20 feet off the ground and faces southeast: this protects them from wind and helps keep them at an appropriate temperature.

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