Artificial raptor perches can provide hunting and resting locations for birds of prey in rangelands, providing a benefit for biodiversity and vertebrate pest control for ranchers.

Perches can be attached to existing fenceposts in rangelands with rocky soils.

Common raptor species in our study area frequented the perches, especially American kestrels, great-horned owls, barn owls, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. These species are likely to provide ecosystem services to ranchers through pest-control and sanitation.

Raptors more often used perches in irrigated pastures or in areas with a slope more than perches in unirrigated pasture and within oak woodland. Perch use may be higher in areas with higher prey availability, favorable updrafts for flight, and fewer nearby natural perches.

We do not recommend placing perches on unsteady fence lines in areas with high cattle activity because we documented cattle investigating the perches and this could lead to perches being knocked over.