Features of a Good Nest
Box:
(source: http://birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/bhbasics/goodbox.html)
untreated wood (pine, cedar, or fir)
- thick walls (at least 3/4 inches)
- extended, sloped roof
- rough or grooved interior walls
- recessed floor
- drainage holes
- ventilation holes
- easy access for monitoring and cleaning
- sturdy construction
- no outside perches
Additional information:
Building Birdhouses
(source: http://birding.about.com/library/blhousespecs.htm)
Various species of birds prefer birdhouses of certain sizes. Of course, you will want to make the entrance hole large enough for the type of bird you wish to nest in it. The hole needs to be ONLY that size since larger holes invite predators (birds, squirrels, etc.) to invade the box, either killing the chicks or taking over the box and evicting the previous residents.
Here's a handy table to use when building birdhouses. Double check the bird house plans you are using to make sure all measurements are in order. Then settle back and enjoy bird watching in your backyard.
House House Hole Diameter Height Species floor depth above of above (inches) (inches) Floor Hole Ground (inches) (inches) (feet) Bluebird 5 X 5 8 6 1 1/2 5-10 Chickadee 4 X 4 8-10 6-8 1 1/8 6-15 Titmouse 4 X 4 8-10 6-8 1 1/4 6-15 Nuthatch 4 X 4 8-10 6-8 1 1/4 12-20 Bewick's Wren 4 X 4 6-8 4-6 1 - 1 1/4 6-10 Carolina Wren 4 X 4 6-8 4-6 1 1/2 6-10 Purple Martin 6 X 6 6 2 2 1/2 10-15
Crested Flycatcher 6 X 6 8-10 6-8 2 8-20
Flicker 7 X 7 16-18 14-16 2 1/2 6-20
Red-Headed Woodpecker 6 X 6 12-15 9-12 2 12-20
Downy Woodpecker 4 X 4 9-12 6-8 1 1/4 6-20
Robin 6 X 8 8 (1+ sides open) 6-15 Barn Swallow 6 X 6 6 (1+ sides open) 8-12 Phoebe 6 X 6 6 (1+ sides open) 8-12 Screech Owl 8 X 8 12-15 9-12 3 10-30 Wood Duck 10 - 18 10-24 12-16 4 10-20