Many people enjoy seeing birds in their yards and gardens. Providing roosting boxes is one way to attract certain bird species to nest or take shelter in your outdoor space. Roosting boxes, also called nest boxes or birdhouses, mimic the tree cavities that many birds rely on for nesting and resting sites. But do wild birds actually use artificial roosting boxes provided by humans? The short answer is yes, many bird species readily accept nest boxes, especially if the boxes are well-designed and placed in suitable habitat. However, some important factors determine whether or not birds will use a given roosting box.
What types of birds use nest boxes?
There are over 50 species of North American birds that may nest in human-made nest boxes under the right conditions. Some of the most common species attracted to nest boxes include:
- Eastern bluebirds
- Tree swallows
- House wrens
- Black-capped chickadees
- Tufted titmice
- White-breasted nuthatches
- House sparrows
- Great crested flycatchers
- Wood ducks
- Barn owls
In addition to nesting, many other kinds of cavity-nesting birds will roost in nest boxes during the non-breeding months, including chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, bluebirds, and titmice. Providing roost boxes with small entrance holes can also attract wintering birds like wrens and Carolina chickadees.
What factors attract birds to nest boxes?
Several key factors determine how likely birds are to use a nest box:
Box design – The dimensions, entrance hole size, height off the ground, and other specs must meet the requirements of the target species.
Placement – Nest boxes will get more use if installed in suitable habitat preferred by cavity nesters, positioned properly on a tree, pole, or building.
Timing – Boxes should be up well before the breeding season so birds can find and claim them.
Habitat – Areas with natural cavities, food sources, nesting materials, and cover appeal most to nesting birds.
Reduction of competitors – Controlling invasive House Sparrows and European Starlings may be necessary.
Protection from predators – Using predator guards can deter racoons, snakes, cats, and other threats.
Protection from weather – Facing boxes away from prevailing winds and intense sun keeps interior cooler.
Maintenance – Annual cleaning removes old nests and parasites.
Satisfying as many of these conditions as possible will lead to the greatest nest box occupancy.
Nest Box Design
To attract target species, nest boxes must be sized and built appropriately. Follow recommendations for your specific birds of interest.
Common Nest Box Dimensions
| Species | Floor Dimensions (inches) | Depth (inches) | Entrance Hole Diameter (inches) | Height Above Ground (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Bluebird | 5 x 5 | 8 – 12 | 1 1/2 | 3 – 6 |
| Tree Swallow | 5 x 5 | 6 | 1 1/2 | 5 – 15 |
| Chickadee | 4 x 4 | 8 – 10 | 1 1/8 – 1 1/4 | 4 – 15 |
| Tufted Titmouse | 6 x 6 | 8 – 10 | 1 1/4 | 6 – 15 |
| House Wren | 4 x 4 | 6 – 8 | 1 1/8 – 1 1/4 | 4 – 10 |
Ideal Nest Box Features
– Made of untreated, unpainted wood at least 3/4 inches thick
– Has drainage holes in floor and ventilation holes near top
– Has a side, front, or roof overhang for rain protection
– Has rough interior walls for easy climbing by hatchlings
– Has a predator guard below entrance hole
– Is made of durable material that won’t easily decay
Following specific design guidelines tailored to your target species will provide the greatest chance that birds will use your nest box.
Nest Box Placement
Proper placement is also key for nest box success. Box location should complement the habitat needs and behaviors of the target species.
Ideal Placement Tips
– Face entrance away from prevailing winds and intense sun
– Ensure a clear flight path to the entrance hole
– Install on a building, tree trunk, or metal pole in suitable habitat
– Place box 5 – 15 feet above ground depending on species
– Space multiple boxes at least 25 feet apart to reduce competition
– Install well before start of breeding season for best chance of occupancy
Mounting nest boxes should be done strategically to enhance protection and appeal to your target birds.
When to Put Up Nest Boxes
Timing is another important factor. Birds start house-hunting for the breeding season well in advance.
Recommended Nest Box Installation Schedule
| Region | Installation Time |
|---|---|
| Southern States | Late December – Mid February |
| Northern States | Mid February – Late March |
| Canada | Late March – Mid April |
Setting up nest boxes 1-2 months before breeding gets underway will increase likelihood of occupancy. This gives birds time to find, claim, and acclimate to their new nesting cavity.
Providing Quality Habitat
Habitat is the key factor determining which bird species live in an area. Providing proper food, water, shelter, and nesting sites is crucial.
Tips for Improving Habitat
– Add native plants that produce seeds, berries, nuts, and nectar
– Supply a water source like a birdbath, fountain, or garden pond
– Avoid using pesticides which reduce food sources
– Allow dead trees and brush piles which provide shelter
– Put up nest boxes suited to species you want to attract
– Include tree snags which offer natural cavities for nesting
Enhancing your yard’s habitat will increase activity of desirable wild birds. Place nest boxes in areas near supplemental habitat features.
Controlling Nest Competitors
Some aggressive invasive species compete with native birds for nest boxes. Stopping these birds from taking over boxes may be necessary.
Problematic Competitive Species
House Sparrows – Very aggressive, often displace native cavity nesters. Remove House Sparrow nests and deter access.
European Starlings – Bully other birds and take over nest sites. Use smaller entrance holes to exclude them.
House Wrens – Will puncture eggs and remove nests of other cavity nesting birds. Use wren-proof boxes with smaller holes.
Monitoring boxes and intervening when these species cause problems will help your target birds successfully use boxes.
Protecting Birds from Predators
Nest boxes attract more than just birds. Predators like snakes, raccoons, cats, and opossums may also be drawn. Using predator guards will discourage these threats.
Types of Predator Guards
– Baffles – Cones or other barriers mounted below entrance hole
– Guards – Metal mesh or tubes around mounting pole
– Caps – Lid over top of nest box with overhang
Guarding against common nest box predators reduces the chance of prey disturbance, egg destruction, and loss of young.
Weather Protection
Providing weather protection can also improve nest box occupancy and success rates.
Weather Protection Methods
– Place box out of direct sun and prevailing wind/rain direction
– Face entrance away from southeast – southwest
– Use overhangs above hole to shield from overhead rain
– Apply water repellent sealant to exterior of wood boxes
– Ensure drainage holes in floor so interior doesn’t get soaked
– Add ventilation holes near top to prevent overheating
– Insulate box and use light exterior colors if in direct sun
Keeping the interior of nest boxes cooler, drier, and less exposed will benefit developing eggs and nestlings.
Maintaining Your Nest Boxes
Performing proper seasonal maintenance improves longevity and cleanliness of boxes.
Maintenance Best Practices
– In fall, clean out old nesting material after young have fledged
– Gently wash and disinfect interior with soap and water
– Make any needed repairs before installing for next season
– Reapply weatherproofing annually as needed
– Ensure predator guards are still functional
– Replace old boxes every 3-5 years or sooner if deteriorating
With proper maintenance, a sturdy wooden nest box can provide many years of service. Avoid chemical pesticides when cleaning.
Monitoring Occupancy
It’s exciting to see your installed nest boxes become active with wild birds! Follow activity carefully without disturbing residents.
Tips for Monitoring Nest Box Use
– Watch daily in spring to see which species starts building in boxes
– DO NOT open box once eggs or young are present
– View activity from a distance with binoculars
– Keep monitoring log of dates, species, activity observed
– Place box in view of window for easy observation
– Install external camera to view interior (stop monitoring once eggs present)
– Carefully inspect after fledging; take notes, clean out nest remains
Observing and recording nest box use without disturbing birds will help you learn about their breeding success. Enjoy your feathered tenants!
Conclusion
Installing nest boxes can attract wild birds to your property, but several factors determine if target species will use them. Tailoring box design, placement, timing, habitat, and maintenance to the needs of desired occupants greatly improves success. With proper research and effort, you can provide wonderful nesting opportunities for native cavity-nesting birds that will aid their populations. Monitoring your nest boxes lets you participate in their family life cycle each season. Enjoy observing your new wild neighbors raise their young in the breeding home you built just for them!
