Many people wonder if birds will use birdhouses during the winter months when it is cold outside. Birds have amazing adaptations that allow them to survive the harshest winter conditions. However, these adaptations make it so that birds have different needs for shelter in the winter compared to the spring and summer.
In this article, we will go over what types of birds stay in your area in the winter, what their behavioral changes are, and how to cater to their needs regarding birdhouses in the winter. Getting a birdhouse ready for winter residents and creating a safe space for birds during the colder months is easy and rewarding. Read on to learn all about winter birding and how you can help birds in your backyard this season.
What birds stay in my area in winter?
The types of birds that stay in your area during the winter depends on where you live. The birds that may visit a birdhouse in the winter in a northern state like Maine differ greatly from those in southern states like Florida. However, there are some birds that tough out winter’s cold temperatures throughout the United States.
Here are some of the most common birds that remain in the continental U.S. throughout the winter:
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
- Woodpeckers
- Bluebirds
- Titmouse
- Sparrows
- Juncos
- Cardinals
- Finches
These birds have evolved adaptations like thick down feathers and dense layers of fat to help them survive. They have also developed winter food-finding strategies like stash-and-retrieve and switching primarily to eating seeds and fruits.
In addition, more northern states may see wintering birds like crossbills, waxwings, snow buntings, and even some hawks and owls. More southern states host birds like wrens, kinglets, yellow-rumped warblers, and hermit thrushes in winter. Checking with local birding groups and nature centers can provide details on the most common winter birds for your exact region.
How do birds behave differently in winter?
Bird behavior shifts significantly in the winter to account for short days, limited food supplies, and cold temperatures. Here are some of the key behavioral changes you may notice in birds that remain in your area:
- Forming flocks – Many species like chickadees and nuthatches that maintain individual territories in summer will band together in mixed-species foraging flocks of 5-10 in winter. This increases safety and improves their ability to find patches of food.
- Visiting feeders – Feeders become critical food sources when insects, nectar, and fruits are scarce. Offering black oil sunflower seeds and suet will attract winter birds.
- Feeding all day – The short days and urgent need to pack on weight means winter birds tend to lose their crepuscular (dawn and dusk) feeding patterns and feed consistently all day.
- Shifting diets – Protein from insects drops off so more focus is put on high-fat seeds and fruits. Suet is relished for its fat content.
- Caching food – Many birds hide food stores for when food is extra scarce. Checking old nesting boxes for stashes is common.
- Night roosting – Birds hunker down in dense conifers, nest boxes, and even woodpecker holes at night to conserve heat.
Watching your local winter birds will help you detect these behavioral changes. Focusing on catering to their critical needs will help them thrive through harsh weather.
Preparing a birdhouse for winter use
If you want to encourage birds to use your birdhouses in winter, it is important to prepare them properly for the conditions. Here are tips for getting birdhouses winter-ready:
- Choose an appropriate design – Enclosed birdhouses with small entrances are ideal as they retain heat well. Platform feeder styles work too.
- Use weatherproof materials – Cedar and pine work well or you can weather treat materials to withstand moisture.
- Add insulation – Stuff fiberglass insulation or wood shavings loosely in the box to retain warmth.
- Elevate the house – Position at least 5 feet off the ground on a securely mounted pole so it doesn’t get buried in snow.
- Face the entrance south – A south-facing entrance catches the most winter sunlight.
- Ensure good ventilation – Drill ventilation holes on each side under the roof overhang.
- Check for leaks/damage – Fix any cracks or gaps ahead of time where cold air could seep in.
A snug yet ventilated birdhouse designed specifically for winter conditions will be most appealing to birds in colder temperatures. Place your winter birdhouses in late fall so birds can easily find them and choose the most protective ones. Maintaining and cleaning the houses between seasons is also important.
Where to position winter birdhouses
In additional to setting up the birdhouses themselves properly, take into account their placement in your yard:
- Near mature trees – Birds take shelter and look for food in dense conifers like spruce, pine, and juniper.
- Close to feeders – Situate houses within 20 feet of winter feeders to provide a good food source.
- Near brush piles – Brush piles offer protection from wind and precipitation.
- Out of the elements – Position under eaves or deck overhangs to avoid the worst weather exposure.
- Avoid low spots – Don’t place houses in an area where snow will pile up deeply.
Putting birdhouses for winter near established trees and feeds provides birds with the cover, protection, and sustenance they require. Pay attention to microclimates on your property to determine the best spots.
Types of Foods Birds Seek Out in Winter
To increase activity at your winter birdhouses, providing a ready food source nearby is key. Here are the types of foods birds seek out in winter:
| Food Type | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | Black oil sunflower, Nyjer, peanuts, safflower, cracked corn | High fat content provides energy and insulation |
| Suet | Pure suet or suet combined with seeds, nuts, dried fruit | Very high fat content for winter warmth and weight gain |
| Fruit | Dried cranberries, blueberries, cherries, raisins, currants | Natural sugars and carbs provide quick energy |
| Nuts | Peanut pieces, shelled sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans | Healthy fats, protein; nut butters offer quick energy |
Having a suet feeder, nut wreath, and a variety of quality seeds will provide much-needed nutrition in winter. Birds also look for natural food sources like leftover berries and nuts in the landscape. Providing supplementary foods helps them meet high daily energy needs.
Best bird species to attract to winter houses
Certain bird species are more likely to be drawn to birdhouses during winter than others. Here are some of the top species to try to attract:
Chickadees
Chickadees are small yet mighty birds that stay year-round throughout most of the US. They readily accept enclosed birdhouses and nesting boxes and will hunker down in them to stay warm on cold nights. Keeping birdhouses stocked with fluffy nesting material will appeal to roosting chickadees. They prefer black oil sunflower seeds in feeders.
Nuthatches
These agile little birds crawl up and down tree trunks searching for insects in the bark crevices. They appreciate a small enclosed nesting box placed under the eaves of homes or in trees. You can attract nuthatches to winter houses with offerings of sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts.
Woodpeckers
In winter, woodpeckers will use nesting boxes designed specifically for their needs. Ensure the hole is the right diameter (1 1⁄2 inches for most species) and make the inner dimensions snug. Also include plenty of wood shavings inside as insulation. Suet treats appeal to winter woodpeckers.
Eastern Bluebirds
These thrushes with brilliant blue plumage are welcome sights at nesting boxes in winter for their cheery color. They prefer open-fronted houses filled with nesting material to hunker down in. Dried mealworms and fruits are excellent bluebird treats.
Carolina Wrens
These southern songbirds only migrate partially south and will use enclosed nesting boxes in winter. Ensure holes are 1 – 1 1⁄4 inches wide. Wrens like suet and peanut hearts to help maintain winter weight.
With appropriate birdhouses geared to specific species and proper placement, you can provide needed shelters for many winter birds. This helps support their survival until spring returns.
Monitoring and Cleaning Winter Birdhouses
It is important to monitor your winter birdhouses periodically to ensure they are in good condition and not overrun by house sparrows. Here are tips for keeping winter nesting boxes in top shape:
- Check weekly – Quickly peek inside to see if birds are using the box. Look for signs of feathers, droppings, nesting materials, or food caches.
- Clear out old nests – Wear gloves and remove nests after fall migration. Provide new nesting materials like wool, cotton, hair.
- Discourage takeovers – House sparrows can overrun houses and harass winter birds. Block entrances or deploy deterrents if needed.
- Clean thoroughly in spring – After winter residents leave, wash houses with soap/water. Replace old nesting matter and repair any damage before next season.
Staying on top of cleaning, repairs, and monitoring the activity ensures your winter birdhouses provide the best refuge. You can evict invasive house sparrows if they try to claim boxes. Proper maintenance keeps houses sanitary and welcoming.
Conclusion
Preparing your birdhouses and yard for winter bird residents provides much-needed resources. Birds that tough out cold conditions face many challenges and threats. Offering snug roosting boxes, winter-specific foods, and protection from the elements can make a big difference in their survival.
With some planning and purposeful effort, you can create an oasis that invites in charming songbirds during the bleakest months. Listening for the chirp of chickadees and spotting a flash of blue from a bluebird on a snowy day will remind you that even when the world seems quiet and still, there is activity if you know where to look. Getting your birdhouses winter-ready ensures your yard provides a safe refuge.
