SCHWEGLER Peregrine Falcon Nestbox 

The peregrine falcon, an impressive globetrotter
This species of bird is found almost everywhere around the world: with the exception of a few isolated areas, it breeds across almost the whole of Europe. The peregrine falcon (lat. falco peregrinus) is capable of very fast flight, and is noted for the speed which it attains when diving to catch its prey, which can reach 200 kph in short bursts. Like all birds of prey the female is much larger and heavier than the male. In Europe this bird almost became extinct due to the effect all kinds of chemicals in the environment, poaching, the spread of sporting activities and many other factors. Stricter nature conservation measures have aided recovery but it still remains at risk.

[Pic. 1]: Occupied Nest Box (Kestrel) (Foto: BNF)

The breeding habits of these birds in Europe are both unusual and fascinating. For example, in Central and Southern Europe they are found exclusively on rock faces, cliffs and buildings, while they also breed in trees in Eastern and Northeastern Europe. Peregrines are very adaptable and in many places they have become accustomed to living around human settlements. They can be found breeding, for example, on high rise buildings, churches, highway bridges, industrial buildings and power stations. However, their success depends very much on the availability of suitable nesting sites. A pair will often occupy the same site for their entire lifetime, and they can live to a considerable age. The oldest recorded ringed bird survived for 17 years.
  
How can we help?
Peregrine falcons are a popular sight in our towns and cities. Because their diet consists almost entirely of birds they help to keep the numbers of feral pigeons in check, making them the most natural and cheapest method of controlling the numbers of these birds.
Unfortunately, as a result of building renovation and/or the construction of new buildings with their relatively smooth facades and roofs, it is becoming increasingly difficult for peregrines to find suitably sheltered spaces. The creation and installation of artificial nesting aids has proved very useful in this respect.
These boxes have been developed as a result of experiments carried out over many years, and with the biological knowledge that has been gained about their breeding requirements.
The main features are:
  • the provision of a spacious, protected and securely attached breeding space for these birds of prey
  • a robust, long-lasting structure that requires little maintenance


[Pic. 2]: Installed Nestbox
     
     



[Pic. 3]: View inside Brood chamber
     
     
     


[Pic. 4]: Nestbox with optional rack
The nest box concept: 
The spacious interior offers the birds plenty of room in which to create a nesting site, and in particular the young have enough space to exercise and develop their flight muscles. The built-in "balcony" makes it easier for the birds to leave and return to the box. A perch is also included, and this is important because the young birds are prone to falling out of the nest site. Webcams can be installed inside the box for monitoring or observation purposes.
    
Method of installation / suitable sites:
E.g. in quarries or on high buildings such as towers, silos, high rise buildings, highway bridges (for example on or around the abutments).
   
Installation height:
Generally in heights above 25 - 30m. North- or east-facing sites have proved to be most effective. The "balcony" with its perch should be placed so that there is a clear area directly below. The box can be attached directly to a building using screws (e.g. on flat roof sections) or, by means of a mounting rack and wall plugs, onto an outside wall.
  
Recommended litter/ bedding:
Place some gravel or other loose material in the box. Peregrines do not construct nests, instead the female scrapes a hollow in which to hatch the eggs. The breeding period starts any time between mid-March and the beginning of April.

Dimensions / weight (empty nestbox): 
External dimensions:
D 130 cm x W 80 cm x H 73 cm
Nesting chamber:
D 72 x W 67 x H 54 cm
Weight: approx. 260 kg (empty box)

Material: Special, high-strength, reinforced lightweight concrete. This ensures that the box is very long-lasting (decades) and can allows a proper and structurally correct manner of installation. The naturally grey, fairfaced concrete can be painted individually during installation to match the building, if required.

Delivery includes:
- box with integrated drainage holes
- removable inspection flap
- perch
- mounting rack not included (see below)
    
Optional accessories: 
- Mounting Rack (zinc-plated steel) (see below)

 Peregrine Falcon Nestbox       order no.    00 305 / 8 

 

Optional accessories: 
 
 

Mounting Rack 



For installation of this Nest Box type on exterior walls a separate steel-fixture is available.
     
Stainless screws for mounting the nestbox onto the fixture are supplied whereas fixing material for installing the fixture on the wall needs to be planned and supplied on-site. 
     
6 drill holes available for this purpose, a detailed sketch is available at SCHWEGLER.
    
Material: zinc-plated steel

Dimensions:
D 115 cm x W 58 cm x H 105 cm 
   
 
Mounting Rack order no.: 00 308 / 9