Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, and species. From tiny hummingbirds to large eagles, birds have evolved over millions of years to fill various niches in nature. This diversity in birds leads to an important question for those who want to attract birds to their yards: do different types of birds need different types of birdhouses?
The Basics of Birdhouses
While there are some general guidelines for building and placing birdhouses that apply to all species, there are also some specific considerations depending on the type of bird you hope to attract. Here are some basics to keep in mind:
- Placement – In general, birdhouses should be placed at least 5-10 feet off the ground, with 10-15 feet being ideal. They should be situated away from trees and bushes to minimize predator access.
- Materials – Unpainted and natural wood is best, avoiding pressure-treated wood or artificial materials. The wood should also be the appropriate thickness – too thin and it won’t be sturdy or provide insulation.
- Entrance hole – This should be appropriate to the species and sized such that larger predatory birds can’t enter. Holes ranging from 1 to 1 1/2 inches are common.
- Interior size – The interior floor space should match the needs of the target species. Too large and the space will be difficult to keep warm and defend.
Keeping these basics in mind while also considering the unique needs of different bird species is key for attracting specific types of birds with your birdhouses.
Birdhouse Considerations by Species
Bluebirds
- Preferred interior floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches (minimum of 3.5 x 3.5 inches)
- Entrance hole size: 1.5 inches
- Height above ground: 5-10 feet
- Open field placement with scattered trees
Bluebirds are cavity nesters that thrive in open habitat interspersed with perching locations. They will readily take to birdhouses that mimic their natural nesting cavities.
Chickadees
- Interior floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches
- Entrance hole size: 1 1/8 inches
- Height above ground: 5-15 feet
- Place houses near or within woods
These tiny acrobatic birds do well in forested areas. Having birdhouses near cover for quick escapes is key for them.
Woodpeckers
- Interior floor dimensions: 5 x 5 inches
- Entrance hole size: 1 1/2 inches
- Height above ground: 8-20 feet
- Place in open woods or near tree trunks
Woodpeckers need large stable cavities, often choosing dead trees or poles as natural sites. Placement should mimic these locations.
Wrens
- Interior floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches
- Entrance hole size: 1 inch
- Height above ground: 5-10 feet
- Place in brushy habitat or woodland edges
These tiny cavities nesters prefer birdhouses low in brushy tangled habitat. Small entrance holes will keep out larger birds.
Swallows
- Interior floor dimensions: 5 x 5 inches (minimum of 4 x 4 inches)
- Entrance hole size: 1 1/2 inches
- Height above ground: 8-15 feet
- Place near open fields, preferably with a perch nearby
Swallows are colonial nesters that build mud cup nests on vertical surfaces. Placement should mimic cliff and canyon homes near their feeding habitat.
Sparrows
- Interior floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches
- Entrance hole size: 1 1/4 inches
- Height above ground: 5-7 feet
- Place in thick hedges, shrubs, or vine tangles
Ground and shrub nesters like sparrows need birdhouses in or near dense vegetation for quick cover. Low placement also helps.
Finches
- Interior floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches
- Entrance hole size: 1 1/8 inches
- Height above ground: 5-15 feet
- Near or within woods with clear flight paths
These small birds use cavities for nesting but prefer being able to perch and survey their surroundings. Mid-level placement is attractive.
Birdhouse Materials
In addition to placement and interior dimensions, the materials used can make a house more attractive to certain species.
- Cedar, cypress, and redwood have natural rot resistance
- Pine cleans up easily but rots faster
- Unpainted interior allows the birds to grip
- Avoid pressure-treated lumber which may contain toxins
- Provide drainage holes in the base
- Use predator guards to block openings larger than the entrance hole
Think like a bird – they evolved using natural cavities and materials. Mimicking those choices will make your birdhouses as enticing as possible.
Unique Needs of Various Bird Species
Beyond basics like placement and interior size, specific species often have unique needs or preferences for their houses.
Purple Martins
Purple martins are unique in preferring man-made birdhouses, typically large multi-unit complexes raised high on poles. Being colonial, scouting martins look for groups of boxes with open views of the sky for easy approaches.
Barn Swallows
Adaptable barn swallows will readily nest in structures around humans, but prefer surfaces that allow mud nest attachment. Open barns, sheds, and porches with roof and ledge access are ideal.
Eastern Screech Owls
Unlike most birds, these small raptors nest in cavities but do not build nests. Providing wood shavings or sawdust allows them to scatter a nesting base inside the house or box.
Wood Ducks
Wood ducks utilize larger nest boxes, often erected around ponds or streams near trees. The addition of nesting wood shavings attracts hen ducks.
Great Crested Flycatchers
This species often chooses nest cavities with small entrada snake tunnels. Elongating entrance holes encourages these flycatchers while excluding starlings.
American Kestrels
Small falcons appreciate larger openings and deeper interiors to allow room for prey deliveries. Placing perches nearby aids hunting.
Barn Owls
Open-fronted or “owl boxes” accommodate barn owls that prefer to roost and nest on ledges and cliffs. Placement inside barns takes advantage of rodents attracted there.
Proper Maintenance of Birdhouses
Putting up birdhouses is just the beginning – keeping them maintained improves their usefulness and keeps birds safe. Follow these tips:
- Clean houses out annually after each nesting season
- Use a dilute bleach solution to disinfect and deter parasites
- Avoid disturbance during nesting season
- Keep entrance holes clear of obstructions
- Monitor for damages and predation
- Repair or replace deteriorating houses
- Prevent establishment of non-native species
Think ahead and build durable easy-access houses. Choose bird-safe methods and materials to clean annually. Proper maintenance leads to happy healthy birds!
Conclusion
Bird species differ widely in their lifestyles and needs. While general birdhouse designs work for some, tailoring boxes to specific species makes them more attractive nesting sites. Careful placement, appropriate dimensions, and preferred materials are key for attracting your desired feathered friends. Remember that what makes a good home for a bird evolved over millennia. Do your research, mimic natural nest sites, and provide proper ongoing maintenance to create ideal birdhouses.
