Birdhouses

Debbie Bruce from Wild Birds Unlimited talks about birdhouses. Some birds build an open cup nest. Others build in cavities in trees or birdhouses. You can tell what bird built the nest by looking at the building materials. Providing the correct building materials can assist birds in building their nests. Birdhouses for smaller birds will have a 1-1.5 inch opening and a floor space of about 4x4 inches. Larger birds such as owls will require 8x8 inch floor space and a larger opening up to 3” wide.  The best birdhouses have thick enough wood to provide some insulation, a way to clean it out, drainage in the bottom, an overhang to keep the rain out, and a opening extension to keep predators from being able to reach and take nestlings. Predators can be raccoons or snakes. Putting a baffle on the pole where the bird house is mounted can keep predators from getting to the birdhouse. When putting up a house you should target the species that are in your area. If no birds come to your house in two seasons move it to a different area. Also, providing live food in your yard will attract birds, but don’t put the food too close to the birdhouse. Birds like privacy with their houses.

Related Videos:
Setting Up a Bird Feeder
Attracting Winter Birds

Related Resources:
Birdhouse Basics
Bird Houses for Songbirds
Attracting Birds with Birdhouses

January 30, 2021