Housing for Kestrels

American Kestrels are faced with a lack of suitable nesting cavities. You can help them out by building this nest box, which is ideal for kestrels.

Your box will most likely be used if it is installed on a free-standing, 10 to 12 foot high post by February 1. Entry holes should be 3 inches in diameter. Kestrels are most likely to start nesting in May, but they are early migrants, so it's better to have it up and ready early.

You may need to check your kestrel box every week for starlings that have nested and laid eggs. Kestrel eggs are a pink-ish, cinnamon color with specks of brown. Rest assured, occasionally checking in on the nest box will not cause kestrels to abandon the nest.

Download the simple instructions for a kestrel box here, and get started!

American kestrel nest box plans and information provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.