What are finches?
Finches are small songbirds in the Fringillidae family. They are found throughout North America and are known for their colorful plumage and melodious songs. Some common finch species include the American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin. Finches primarily eat seeds and insects but will also enjoy fruit and nectar. They make lively, active pets that are fun to observe. Providing finches with an appropriately sized birdhouse can encourage nesting and breeding.
What are the different types of birdhouses?
There are several common types of birdhouses available for finches and other small birds:
– Box Style: Rectangular wooden nesting box with a hole near the top. Can be mounted to a tree, post, or wall. Simplest style.
– Platform: Open platform birdhouse without enclosed sides/back. Typically have a slanted roof to protect contents. Good for robins and doves.
– Wren House: Small rectangular box with a very small entrance hole. Designed specifically for wrens.
– Robin Shelter: Rectangular wooden box with extended platform. Made for robins who build open cup nests.
– Finch Sock: Cotton sock or tube stuffed with soft material. Hung vertically for finches to nest in.
– Feeder Style: Birdhouse with integrated feeder box below nesting area to readily provide birdseed.
What are the best birdhouse materials?
Birdhouses can be made from a variety of materials but wood is generally the best option. Good choices include:
– Cedar: Naturally rot-resistant softwood. A popular budget-friendly choice.
– Redwood: Another rot-resistant softwood that retains its color well. A bit more expensive.
– Cypress: Attractive hardwood that holds up well outside. More expensive but very durable.
– Pine: Cheap softwood that requires protective staining/coating to prevent rot over time.
– Plywood: Affordable manufactured wood. Choose thicker marine grade plywood for durability.
– Plastics: PVC, poly lumber, and recycled plastic nesting boxes resist decay. Good insulation.
– Concrete: Extremely durable but heavy and not ideal for mounting. Better for ground placement.
– Metals: Aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel last indefinitely. Ensure good insulation from heat/cold.
Avoid painted or treated woods that could release toxins. Cedar, redwood, and pine provide the best mix of affordability and longevity for birdhouses.
What size birdhouse do finches need?
An appropriate finch birdhouse should have:
– Floor space: 3×3 inches minimum
– Interior height: 5 to 6 inches
– Entrance hole: 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches
This size accommodates most finch species, allowing adult birds to enter while preventing predation by larger animals. The floor must be large enough for a nest and sufficient room for hatchlings. Extra interior height allows ventilation to prevent overheating. Smaller houses may be used for finch species like goldfinches and siskins while larger finches like purple finches may need more space.
Where should I place a finch birdhouse?
Ideal placement for a finch birdhouse includes:
– Height: 5 to 15 feet above ground
– Location: Near trees and shrubs
– Direction: Entrance should face east to avoid prevailing winds and weather
Finches prefer nesting sites higher up in trees but houses can be mounted on posts, building eaves, or fences. Close proximity to trees, shrubs, and flower gardens provides natural food sources. An eastward orientation provides morning sunlight and shade in the hottest afternoons. Ensure the entrance does not point into driving wind or rain.
How can I attract finches to the birdhouse?
Use the following tips to make your birdhouse as attractive as possible to finches:
– Use attractive natural wood. Avoid painted or treated lumber.
– Include ventilation holes under the roof. Improves air circulation.
– Add perches next to entrance hole. Gives the birds a place to land and rest.
– Mount house securely to prevent movement and swaying.
– Line bottom with soft bedding like pine needles or wood shavings.
– Keep feeders full of finch-favored seeds near the house. Provides supplemental food.
– Include nesting materials like pet fur or dry grasses. Finches will carry to line their nests.
– Place multiple houses to form a finch “neighborhood”. More appealing than a single house.
What maintenance does a finch birdhouse need?
To keep your finch birdhouse clean and usable for years:
– Monitor and remove old nests after young have fledged and parents leave the box. This prevents parasites from accumulating.
– Check for small holes or gaps in the wood. Use waterproof wood filler to patch any openings that compromise insulation or make the nest vulnerable.
– Use a stiff brush attached to a long pole to scrub out interior of the house each fall. Remove all debris.
– Check roof and entrance hole yearly. Replace or repair any damaged or missing parts to keep the structure sound.
– Apply fresh protective exterior stain/sealant if needed to maintain the wood and prevent rot or mold. Avoid using inside.
– Monitor for signs of mice, snakes, or invading insects. Remove nests and use screens, smaller holes or repellents to prevent unwanted occupants.
– Remove wasp nests starting to form on the outside. Use stainless steel mesh to cover large openings and discourage future nesting.
What are the best birdhouse designs for finches?
Here are some top birdhouse recommendations specifically tailored for finches:
Audubon Society Cedar Bluebird Box
– Made of unfinished cedar wood that naturally resists rot and pests
– Features extended sloped roof and ventilation slits for better temperature regulation
– Includes drainage holes and easy-opening side panel for cleaning
– Entrance hole and interior size ideal for finches
– Affordable price from a leading birding organization
Songbird Essentials Finch Favored Birdhouse
– Constructed entirely from durable red cedar wood
– Extra-large overhanging roof and ventilation holes enhance air circulation
– Hanging cord, nail holes, and back cleat offer multiple mounting options
– 1 1/4” entrance hole sized specifically with finches in mind
– Interior floor is removable for easy cleaning
Audubon Cedar Sanctuary Finch Shelter
– Handsome copper-topped birdhouse complementing any garden
– Made of rot-resistant, non-toxic western red cedar construction
– Extended sloped roof protects entrance from the elements
– Front ventilation slots provide passive cooling
– Includes stainless steel hanger for durability
Perky-Pet Finch Flocker Tube Birdhouse
– Innovative finch “sock” design made of breathable cotton canvas
– Slips easily over pole mount and hangs vertically like a tube sock
– Removable screw-off base for easy cleaning and nesting material changes
– Canvas tube provides natural insulation regulating interior temperatures
– Weather-resistant construction suitable for year-round outdoor use
Homestead Essentials Classic Pine Birdhouse
– Traditional wooden nesting box design at an affordable price
– Made from durable pine wood and suitable for all small songbirds
– Features slanted roof, ventilation gaps, drainage holes, and cleaning access
– 1 1/8” entrance hole and cavernous interior tailored to finches
– Extend roof with copper flashing to better protect the entry area
Conclusion
Finches are active and colorful songbirds that make great backyard visitors. Providing them with a customized birdhouse designed for finch nesting needs will help attract a breeding pair to take up residence on your property. Use rot-resistant cedar or redwood, include proper ventilation and drainage, and choose a protected location near natural food and water sources. With a well-built birdhouse suited for finch dimensions, placed and oriented strategically, you can look forward to the cheery chatter and dazzling plumage of these lively songbirds outside your window. Taking steps to properly maintain cleanliness and structural integrity will extend the lifespan of your finch abode for years to come.