nest location
Nest Appearance
phenology
nest
American Kestrel Eggs
fledgling and parental care
common problem
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is the smallest falcon species and the most widespread in North America. These small birds of prey are not found in nearly every corner of the continent.
American kestrels prefer open habitats with lowland vegetation – grasslands, farmlands, grasslands, deserts, open parks and woodland edges. They are strictly cavity nesters, usually inhabiting an ancient cavity dug by the woodpecker.
Occasionally, these birds will nest in structures, such as abandoned buildings or barns. Nest boxes are also popular among kestrels.
In this complete guide, we dive into more details about kestrel nesting sites and calf care. Read on to discover more!
nest location
Where Do American Kestrels Nest?
The American Kestrel is a cavity-nesting bird. However, they don’t dig cavities by themselves. These small birds of prey often nest in woodpeckers or other natural burrows. Kestrels also frequently use nest boxes.
They seem to prefer large obstacles (or standing dead trees) with little or no cover from vegetation. Nests are in open spaces in lowland vegetation, which makes hunting easier. They also nest along woodland edges or in forests with plenty of open hunting areas.
Do kestrels nest in the same place every year?
Kestrels often nest in the same place each year, especially if their previous nest has been successfully nested. If a pair has a second litter in the same season, they will often reuse the same nest as well.
American Kestrel outside the nest
Are Kestrels Nesting in Backyards?
Kestrels will use the backyard as nesting habitat. To attract kestrels, you should have open land or fields that provide suitable hunting grounds for these birds.
You can also add nest boxes if your backyard is tree-free or has hollow obstructions. Kestrels often use these when natural cavities are not available.
Do Kestrels Use Nest Boxes?
Kestrels do use nest boxes, and not just during breeding season. These small birds of prey also make use of crate roosting during the winter. They are especially inclined to use them when naturally occurring cavities are rare.
If you want the perfect kestrel nest box to add to your yard, you may need a larger floor plan (23.1 x 16.5). Studies have shown that nested pairs generally prefer large boxes over small ones.
What tree do kestrels nest in?
Kestrels live in tree hollows. They don’t seem to have a preference for certain species, but usually nest in obstructions in living trees, as they don’t like burrows that are concealed by vegetation.
American Kestrel Nest Box
Nest Appearance
What does a kestrel’s nest look like?
Kestrels nest in tree hollows. The location appears to have been chosen based on reducing exposure to severe weather. There is no nesting material in the cavity where the kestrel raises its young. The female just digs a shallow depression in the bottom of the cavity.
How big is a kestrel’s nest?
The entrance diameter of kestrel nests is between 5.6 and 8.4 cm. Lumen dimensions vary widely.
Research on nest box preference showed that kestrels preferred large nest boxes – with a floor of 23.1 x 16.5 cm – to small ones. However, some kestrel nests in the wild are so small that the young chicks will be stacked on top of each other.
American kestrel leaves nest to find food for hungry chicks
phenology
What time of year do kestrels nest?
The kestrel breeding season usually begins in April or early May, sometimes earlier in warmer parts of North America. If a kestrel pair is raising a second brood, they will likely nest from late spring to early fall.
How long do kestrels nest?
Parenting an American Kestrel takes more than two and a half months.
Once the female lays her eggs, the incubation time is about 27 to 31 days. The chicks then develop for another 30 days or so before leaving the nest. After eclosion, the chicks stay with their parents for another 2 to 3 weeks.
What month do kestrels lay eggs?
Kestrels typically lay their eggs in April or early May. However, female American kestrels do not lay all their eggs at once. This process may take several days. Incubation begins when the first eggs are in the nest.
American Kestrel chick looking out of nesting hole
nest
How do kestrels build their nests?
Kestrels are cavity nesters, but they don’t create their own cavity. They nest in abandoned woodpecker nests or other naturally formed burrows.
No nesting material is brought into the nesting site. Instead, the female will scratch or make a shallow depression in the cavity floor to lay her eggs.
American Kestrel Eggs
What do kestrel eggs look like?
Kestrel eggs are usually short and oval. They are approximately 35.13mm long and 28.42mm wide. It weighs between 10 and 18 grams. Egg color varies from white to cream or yellow to light reddish brown. A purple, gray or brown spot is usually visible around the blunt end.
How many eggs do kestrels lay?
Kestrels typically lay 4-5 eggs per clutch. It is not uncommon for pairs to produce a second litter in the same season.
Do male kestrels sit on eggs?
During the brief spawning period, the male will occasionally sit on the eggs. However, once the last egg is in the nest, the female takes full responsibility for incubating it. Males hunt and provide food during this time.
American kestrel brings food back to nest box
fledgling and parental care
When does the little kestrel leave the nest?
The lesser kestrels begin to hatch about 30 days after hatching. The fledgling process usually takes a few days. However, once lesser kestrels have a nest, they remain dependent on their parents.
For the next two or three weeks, they stayed around while their parents continued to bring them food.
How many broods does a kestrel have?
Kestrels have 1-2 broods per season. A longer laying season makes a second brood possible. The first brood usually hatches in May and fleds in mid-summer, allowing ample time to re-nest in late summer and fall.
American Kestrel chick fledgling in nest with parents watching
common problem
Do kestrels abandon their nests?
Kestrels will only abandon their nests when there is a major disturbance, such as human activity or predator disturbance.
Do kestrels nest on the ground?
Kestrels do not nest on the ground. They are strictly burrow nesters, usually living in tree cavities dug by woodpeckers or other naturally formed burrows.
Where do kestrels nest at night?
Whether it is breeding season or winter roosting, kestrels return to their empty nests at night.
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
