So you've decided to put up one or more nestboxes? ... GREAT! Welcome to the world of wild bird "nannies".
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind so you have success attracting birds and offering a safe nestbox to raise their young. Following this guideline is a win-win ... the best chance for some baby birds plus you'll be reaping the reward of watching them thrive. What could be more enjoyable?
If you plan to build your own nestboxes this list of 10 must-haves is a great place to start your building plan. If building a bird house is just a bit too much of a project for you, then don't miss these excellent choices in species-specific bird houses ready to be put up.
Please be aware there are many bird houses (i.e. nestboxes) designs sold that are unsuitable for birds. These houses can waste your time and money by not attracting the birds you want, and more importantly, they may actually be harmful.
These "cute" bird house designs are more appropriate as a decoration inside your home than a safe home for wild birds.
No matter whether you buy or build your bird house here is a list of the 10 most important features that all nestboxes must have. (If you find a decorative bird house that has all these features, then by all means, put it up): 10 Important Nestbox/Bird House Features:
- No Perch. Wild birds do not require perches to enter their nestbox. More importantly, a perch can provide access for invasive species that often take over the nest of cavity-nesting birds.
- Entrance Hole Size. 1-1/2" (inch) hole size is used by most of our common cavity-nesting birds. Invasive species of birds cannot gain entrance from this size hole thus preventing them from taking over nestboxes from our native species.
- Nestbox Floor Dimensions. Nestbox dimensions are important. See this table for the appropriate size for common species. Keep in mind that floor size must be at least 4" x 4" (inches) to allow room for young to develop.
- Entrance Hole Height. The entrance hole should be at least 5" (inches) above the bottom of the nestbox. This allows the developing baby birds to stay well below the entrance to protect them from predators which may approach the nestbox.
- Be Able to Open Nestbox. The nestbox must be able to be opened from the top, front or side. This allows monitoring the developing young to make sure they are progressing normally and are healthy. Opening nestboxes for cleaning in the off-season is also essential.
- Ventilation. There must be holes along the top or sides of the nestbox to allow hot air to escape in the summer.
- Drainage Holes. There must be holes in the floor or the bottom corners should be cut-off to allow drainage of water out of the box.
- Wood Construction. Be sure that the nestbox is constructed of 3/4" thick wood or similar material that provides insulation from the heat and cold. The only exception is Purple Martin housing which is sometimes offered in metal.
- Roof Overhang. The roof should overhang the front of entrance hole by 1" to 2" (inches) to provide shade and protection from the rain.
- Way to Attach Nestbox. Be sure that the nextbox has a way to attach to a pole or tree . . . by a bracket or holes.
