Tufted titmice are small songbirds that are found throughout eastern and central North America. They get their name from the tuft of feathers on their heads that makes them look like they are wearing a gray cap. Titmice are active, social birds that are regular visitors to bird feeders and can become quite tame over time. But do tufted titmice actually use birdhouses?
Birdhouse Requirements for Tufted Titmouse
Tufted titmice will use properly designed birdhouses for nesting. However, they have some specific requirements when it comes to birdhouses:
- Entrance Hole – The entrance hole should be 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. This is sized for titmice and helps exclude larger birds.
- Depth – The depth of the birdhouse should be 6-8 inches deep. This gives enough room for nest building and raising young.
- Floor – The floor should be 3-4 inches in diameter and have drainage holes so rain does not flood the box.
- Materials – Avoid painted or treated wood as the fumes may be harmful to the birds. Best is natural unfinished wood or a wood substitute like EcoWood.
- No Perch – Titmice prefer a house with no perch or landing pad.
- Height – Mount boxes between 6-15 feet high on trees or posts.
Following these specifications will make your birdhouse attractive and safe for tufted titmice to raise their young. Placement in a sheltered location will also encourage them to move in.
Tufted Titmouse Nesting Behavior
Tufted titmice form monogamous pairs and remain together year round. In late winter and early spring, they will start seeking out nesting sites. They are not very particular about sites and may choose natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or nest boxes.
To claim a site, the pair will regularly visit and investigate the potential nest. The male tufted titmouse may bring nest material into the cavity at this time to signify intent to nest there. Nest building may continue over one to two weeks.
Tufted titmice build nests out of a variety of soft materials. This includes fur, feathers, moss, grass, leaves, and bark. The nest cup is then lined with fine grass or hair. Female titmice perform most of the construction work.
Once the nest is complete, the female will lay a clutch of 5-8 tiny white eggs. She incubates them alone for 13-14 days before they hatch. Both parents will feed the nestlings as they grow over the next 17-18 days. After fledging, the young will stay near the nest site for 2-3 weeks as they learn to fly and forage on their own.
Tufted titmice may have more than one brood per year from late March through June. They are busy little birds during the breeding season!
Advantages of Birdhouses
Using a properly designed birdhouse has a number of advantages for tufted titmice:
- Safety – The enclosure provides protection from weather and predators.
- Durability – Birdhouses last longer than fragile natural nests in trees.
- Temperature Control – The wood insulation helps maintain the temperature and humidity needed to hatch eggs.
- Easy Monitoring – Nest boxes allow you to easily watch activity at the nest.
Birdhouses may also help titmice establish nesting territories and allow you to enjoy their activity up close.
Ideal Birdhouse Designs
Here are some top birdhouse designs specifically tailored to tufted titmice:
Simple Wooden Nest Box
A basic wooden box with side entry hole and removable front panel works well. Use untreated natural wood at least 1 1⁄4 inches thick for insulation. Add drainage holes in the floor and ventilation slits on the sides.
Wooden House with Perch
This box is designed with a sheltered porch area in front of the entry hole. It uses reclaimed wood and includes an observation side window. The perch is optional for titmice.
Decorative Titmouse Abode
For a fancier look, this birdhouse incorporates decorative metalwork accents on a handmade wooden box. It can be customized with paint colors and mounted on a sturdy post.
Two Chamber Nest Box
This clever design has two nesting chambers side-by-side in one unit. It doubles your chances of attracting nesting pairs! Add a divider between the chambers with separate entry holes.
Simple PVC Pipe House
An easy DIY option is using PVC pipe and a wood plank back. Drill the entry hole in the center of the pipe and add some drainage. Hang it vertically on a pole.
Best Birdhouse Placement
Proper placement of your titmouse nesting box will increase usage:
- Face entry hole toward tree trunk or structure.
- Tilt slightly downward for drainage.
- Place box below tree canopy for shelter.
- Mount securely on tree/post 6-15 feet up.
- Face opening away from prevailing winds.
- Choose an open area for flight access.
Avoid areas with high levels of human activity. Place the box within titmouse territory so adults can find it easily. Have patience, as it may take a season or two for the birds to discover and trust a new nesting site.
Monitoring Nest Box Activity
Here are some tips for monitoring your titmouse nest box:
- Watch for signs like nest materials or titmice entering the box.
- Do not disturb once eggs may be present.
- View through side window if box has one.
- Check activity levels during different times of day.
- Listen for begging calls of nestlings indicating they hatched.
- Avoid any monitoring once nesting begins.
- Keep detailed notes on your observations.
Careful monitoring will allow you to follow the progress without disturbing the nest. Be sure to follow ethical birdwatching practices and do not interfere with the nesting process.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some potential problems and solutions for titmouse birdhouses:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Starlings or sparrows take over the box | Use smaller 1 1/8″ entrance hole to exclude them |
| Wasps build nest inside | Seal all small gaps, clean out any nests |
| Ants invading the box | Apply Teflon spray inside and out to repel ants |
| Box is damaged | Replace or repair with similar natural wood |
| Rain floods nest inside | Drill extra drainage holes in floor |
| Nestlings die | Remove dead ones, clean out nest for next brood |
Address any issues promptly to keep the nesting site usable. Having a backup box available allows you to swap it in if needed.
Attracting Tufted Titmice to Your Yard
Here are some tips to attract tufted titmice to your yard and birdhouses:
- Offer black oil sunflower seeds in feeders.
- Provide suet feeders with seed or insect suet cakes.
- Set up nest boxes specifically for titmice.
- Have a water source like a birdbath available.
- Plant native vegetation and trees they can forage in.
- Reduce use of pesticides which reduce their insect food source.
- Offer shelter such as dense bushes or brush piles.
Making your yard inviting and providing food, water, and nesting sites will tempt titmice to take up residence. They will reward you with their perky presence and lively antics all year round.
Enjoying Tufted Titmice at Your Birdhouse
Here are some ways to enjoy tufted titmice activity at your nest box:
- Watch their comings and goings with binoculars.
- Listen for their grey-day-cheer-up whistle songs.
- Take photos of adults feeding young at the entry hole.
- Keep a journal of nesting dates and observations.
- Have a special name for your titmouse tenants.
- Create titmouse-themed garden art and decorations.
Tufted titmice are very active and fun to observe as they raise their young. Getting to see this up close thanks to a birdhouse is a rewarding and educational experience for the whole family.
Key Facts About Tufted Titmouse
Here are some key facts about tufted titmice:
- They are songbirds about 6 inches in size with gray upper body, white underside, and signature crest.
- Titmice have loud, recognizable “Peter! Peter! Peter!” call.
- They are non-migratory residents who stay year-round in their range.
- They usually live 2-3 years but can reach over 10 years of age.
- Titmouse groups called social units stay together outside of breeding season.
- They eat insects, spiders, seeds, berries and will come to feeders.
- Predators include snakes, squirrels, blue jays, cats, and raptors.
- Titmouse numbers are stable overall though declining in some regions.
Understanding titmouse behavior and requirements allows you to provide the nest sites and food they prefer. This helps support their populations across their habitat range.
Conclusion
In summary, tufted titmice are excellent birds to attract to properly designed nest boxes. They readily use birdhouses that meet their requirements for entry hole size, interior dimensions, materials, and placement. With a suitable titmouse birdhouse in your yard, you’ll be rewarded with their constant activity and cheerful presence. Watching them busily build nests, lay eggs, and raise hungry young in the security of the birdhouse is a great way to enjoy these feisty little birds up close.
