SCHWEGLER 31
BIRD CONSERVATION ON BUILDINGS
Peregrine Falcon Nest Box
Accessory Mounting Rack
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. 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.
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 façades 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.
» PEREGRINE FALCON NEST BOX
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 - 30 m. North- or eastfacing 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.
Material: Special, high-strength, reinforced lightweight concrete.
This ensures that the box is very long-lasting (decades) and allows a proper
and structurally correct manner of installation. The naturally grey, smooth
concrete can be painted individually during installation to match the
building, if required.
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).
Supplied with: box with integrated
drainage holes, removable inspection
flap, perch.
Order No. 00 305/8
» OPTIONAL ACCESSORY: MOUNTING RACK
Installing the box on walls. The fixings between the
box and the bracket are supplied. The attachment and
fixings between the bracket/wall must be arranged
in accordance with the particular site and obtained
separately. The bracket is provided with 6 holes on the
wall side.
Detailed layout and dimensions for planning of
installation are available on request.
Material: welded and zinc-plated steel construction.
Dimensions: Mounting rack with attached Nest Box
approx. H 180 x W 80 x D 135 cm.
Weight: approx. 65 kg (+ Nest Box).
Order No. 00 308/9
VV Side view installation
VV Peregrine Falcon Nest Box on the Berlin
town hall