Kestrel Bird Houses

American Kestrels, also known as the Sparrow Hawks, are found throughout the United States and Canada. They prefer open urban or cultivated areas containing scattered trees or other high perches, such as utility lines. Their habitat is varied, including forest edges, orchards, pastures and deserts. The breeding season can begin as early as March or as late as May, depending upon the latitude. Kestrels nest in snags, deserted woodpecker holes, and other natural tree cavities, as well as in cliffs, dirt banks, under the eaves of buildings, and in nest boxes. Kestrels usually have one brood per season, but in the southern portion of the range or in regions where prey is plentiful, double broods are common. Pairs that are double-brooded often reuse the nest from the first brood. Mount Kestrel houses 10 to 30 feet high on lone trees in fields, on trees along edges of woodlots, and on farm buildings.