When it comes to attracting birds to your backyard, providing the right kind of birdhouse is key. With so many types of birdhouses available, from simple wooden boxes to more elaborate multi-chamber dwellings, it can be hard to know which style is best for your feathered friends. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different factors to consider when choosing a birdhouse, from the type of birds you want to attract, to the right design, materials, placement and maintenance. Read on to learn everything you need to know to pick the perfect birdhouse for your backyard birds!
What types of birds will use a birdhouse?
Many common backyard birds, including chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, bluebirds, wrens, and swallows readily take to nesting boxes. The specific type of bird that will use a birdhouse depends on the size of the interior cavity, the size of the entrance hole, and the height at which it is placed. As a general guideline:
- Small birds like chickadees and nuthatches prefer a 1-1.5 inch opening and a small interior cavity
- Medium birds like titmice, some wrens and bluebirds do well with a 1.5 inch opening and medium interior
- Larger cavity nesters like woodpeckers, flickers and owls need an enlarged opening and interior
Placement height also plays a role, with smaller birds preferring boxes placed 5-15 feet high and larger birds nesting 15-30 feet up. Swallows, who build cup-shaped mud nests, will also readily take to specially designed birdhouses if placed in an open area.
What design features should you look for?
Beyond size, there are several other design factors that can make a birdhouse more appealing and functional for birds:
- Proper ventilation and drainage: Small ventilation holes near the top and drainage holes in the floor allow air flow and prevent moisture buildup
- Deeply grooved interior: Vertical grooves give birds something to cling to and allow them to climb in and out easily
- Sloped roof: A sloped roof with wide overhang prevents rain from flooding the entrance hole
- Removable side/front: A removable panel enables easy cleaning between nesting seasons
- Rough interior surface: A rough, unpolished interior makes it easier for birds to cling while entering and exiting
Following certain design principles can help attract more birds and produce healthier, more successful nesting pairs.
What materials should you use?
Birdhouses can be constructed from a variety of natural and synthetic materials:
Wood: Cedar, redwood, pine and cypress are all rot-resistant, non-toxic woods that make excellent birdhouses. Avoid pressure treated wood.
Plastic: Durable, weather-resistant plastic like PVC is lightweight and requires little maintenance. Look for UV-stabilized plastic.
Concrete: Concrete birdhouses retain heat well for cooler climates and are very durable. Seal the interior with a non-toxic sealer.
Resin: Polyresins make very realistic looking birdhouses that hold up well outdoors.
Metal: Galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum last a very long time. The thicker the better to maintain interior temperatures.
No matter the material, be sure it is non-toxic, provides proper insulation, and will hold up under the elements. Proper construction is also key – all birdhouse components should fit snugly with no gaps or holes besides the entrance.
Where should you place a birdhouse?
One of the most important considerations when putting up a birdhouse is the location. Here are some key placement guidelines:
- Mount birdhouses on a stable pole or tree, 5-10 feet from brush and branches.
- Face the entrance hole away from prevailing winds and direct sun.
- Aim for a location with some tree cover and vegetation.
- Place small birdhouses 5-15 feet high on poles or trees.
- Put up larger nesting boxes 15-30 feet high.
- Space multiple houses 10-15 feet apart to reduce competition.
Position matters – placing birdhouses too close to feeders or in high traffic areas may discourage birds. And be sure to follow safe installation practices.
How many compartments and entrances should you have?
Most backyard birdhouses only have one entrance hole and interior chamber. However, some birdhouse designs feature multiple compartments and entrances in the same structure. Here are some pros and cons of single vs. multi-chamber birdhouses:
Single chamber:
- Good for housing smaller cavity nesters like chickadees
- Prevents larger aggressive birds from taking over
- Simpler cleaning and maintenance
Multiple chambers:
- Allow different bird species to nest side-by-side
- Provide more total nesting opportunities
- More difficult to monitor and clean out
The optimal design depends on your goal – if you want to cater to multiple small bird species, a multi-chamber option would work well. For focusing on a few favorite birds, a single-chamber birdhouse is likely preferable.
Should you have a perch?
Unlike many decorative birdhouses, functional nesting boxes should not have an external perching ledge or perch below the entrance hole. Perches offer a place for predatory birds and animals to sit and access the nest, putting baby birds and eggs at risk.
However, an internal ridge or ledge placed a few inches below the entrance can help parent birds land before entering the hole to feed their young. This is safer as predators cannot access an interior perch. So go perchless on the outside, but an interior ridge can be helpful.
How much maintenance is required?
To keep your birdhouses sanitary and prevent the spread of parasites and diseases, annual maintenance is highly recommended:
- Late winter: Clean out old nesting material and debris with a wire brush. Wash with a 10% bleach solution and let air dry.
- Fall: Make any necessary repairs to cracks, holes or gaps. Refinish/repaint if needed.
- Year round: Check for wasp nests, invasive sparrows or other competitors. Monitor for damage.
Basic cleaning, repairs and ongoing pest management will help keep your birdhouses safe and usable year after year. Be sure to only do maintenance during non-nesting seasons.
Best Birdhouse Types by Species
To select the optimal birdhouse style, you need to match the design features to the preferred nesting habits of the target bird species. Here are some top birdhouse recommendations based on the birds you want to attract:
For chickadees:
Chickadees prefer small cavities, so a birdhouse with the following features works best:
- 1 1/8” entrance hole
- Interior floor dimensions: 4×4 inches
- Wood construction
- 5-15 foot mounting height
A simple wooden nesting box like the Woodlink Going Green House or the Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird House are great options.
For titmice:
Look for these specifications tailored to titmice:
- 1 1⁄4” entrance hole
- Interior floor dimensions: 5×5 inches
- Thick wood or wood/concrete blend construction
- 10-15 foot mounting height
The Audubon Cedar Bluebird House fits the bill with its medium-sized opening and cavit
For wrens:
Wrens have some unique preferences to accommodate:
- 1-1 1⁄4” entrance hole
- Interior floor dimensions: 4×4 inches
- Wood or plastic construction
- 5-10 foot mounting height
- Enclosed sides with reduced ventilation
A house made specifically for wrens like the Nature’s Way Cedar Wren House works well. The enclosed sides with side ventilation holes meet wrens’ requirements.
For bluebirds:
Here are the optimal features for attracting bluebirds:
- 1 1⁄2 inch entrance hole
- Interior floor dimensions: 5×5 inches
- Wood construction
- 5-10 foot mounting height
- Predator guard below entrance hole
Specialized bluebird nesting boxes like the Greenfeather Bluebird House have the right hole size, interior space, and guard to safely accommodate bluebirds.
For woodpeckers:
To meet woodpeckers’ needs:
- 2-2 1⁄2 inch entrance hole
- Interior floor dimensions: 6×6 inches or larger
- Wood or metal construction
- 10-20 foot mounting height
Oversized nesting boxes like the Audubon Excelsior Woodpecker House cater towards woodpeckers with extra interior space and a larger customized opening.
Conclusion
When looking for the best birdhouse, it’s important to tailor the design, size, materials and placement to the specific birds you want to attract. Seeking out a house designed especially for your target bird species and their cavity nesting behaviors is the smart way to go. With so many great birdhouse options available today, you should be able to find the perfect model to bring charming backyard birds to your garden. Just be sure to properly maintain your bird real estate annually. Do your homework, match the features to your birds, and with a quality birdhouse in the right location, you’ll be hosting happy feathery tenants in no time!
Birdhouse Comparison Table
| Birdhouse | Materials | Entrance Hole Size | Interior Dimensions | Intended Birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlink Going Green Bird House | Wood | 1 1/8 inches | 4 x 4 inches | Chickadees |
| Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird House | Cedar Wood | 1 1/4 inches | 5 x 5 inches | Titmouse |
| Nature’s Way Cedar Wren House | Cedar Wood | 1 inch | 4 x 4 inches | Wrens |
| Greenfeather Bluebird House | Pine Wood | 1 1/2 inches | 5 x 5 inches | Bluebirds |
| Audubon Excelsior Woodpecker House | Cedar Wood | 2 1/4 inches | 6 x 6 inches | Woodpeckers |
