American Kestrel Distribution and Use of Nest Boxes in the Coastal Plains of Georgia

Abstract

—Four hundred and two nest boxes were erected on the coastal plain in Georgia to establish baseline data concerning the breeding biology of the American Kestrel ( Falco sparverius ) in Georgia during 1994 and 1995. Nest box occupancy averaged 3%, although occupancy was 15% at Fort Gordon military base. Clutch size averaged 4.9, and nesting success (at least one kestrel fledged) was 62%. Overall, productivity averaged 2.7 young fledged per nest attempt, although an average of four young fledged from each successful nest. Fifty-two of 56 kestrels fledged from boxes within Fort Gordon. Small body size of the kestrels in our study suggests that the American Kestrel breeding throughout the coastal plains in Georgia could be the subspecies, Falco sparverius paulus.