Birds like different types of birdhouses according to their breed. The birdhouses need different shapes, size of openings and different mounting height. When you build a birdhouse it is necessary to decide what kind of birds you are planning to attract so the right type of birdhouse may be built.
Wren’s prefer birdhouses that have small interiors. A small 1 1/8″ opening is required for the door. They prefer a small horizontal slit no more than 3/4″ high. The horizontal slot allows the birds to bring in the 2″ to 3″ sticks they use to make their nests. Several houses hung closely together will encourage numerous pairs to nest together. They enjoy having their homes close to shrubs and other vegetation. The wren birdhouses should be hung from 4′ to 6′ off the ground.
Purple Martin’s enjoy condominium living. One birdhouse with many rooms is appropriate. The openings should be 2 1/4″ in diameter with each room measuring 6″ x 6″ x 6″. The house should be placed 8′ to 18′ off the ground. The birdhouse condominium should be placed at minimum of 30′ apart from any other Purple Martin housing location.
Both Swallows and Cliff Swallows will be enticed to use birdhouse platforms if hung in partial shade. The shade may be either from the main tree branches or an overhang of a house.
Chickadees, Nuthatches and Titmice prefer a more rustic type birdhouse. A birdhouse made from a hallowed out tree log with the bark intact are the best. Hanging these birdhouses on the edge of groves and timbers seem to attract the most birds. Hang the Chickadee birdhouses 4′ to 6′ off the ground. Nuthatches and Titmice prefer their houses 8′ to 10′ off the ground.
Use a board that will have a rough interior when building birdhouses for a Flicker. A basic rectangular box is best with a flip up lid. The lid should be tapered to help the elements shed. The inside should have some sawdust, small wood chips or ground cork sprinkled on the floor. These birdhouses are seen on fence posts and stumps. They must be positioned directly over foliage to attract the birds.
Abandoned orchards are the best place to find and hang Bluebird houses. They will nest outside of orchards also but prefer fruit trees nearby. A simple rectangular 10″ x 5″ x 9″ with a slightly tapered roof is adequate with either a flip top or drop down front used for easy cleaning. The hole should be 1 ½” to 1 5/8″ in diameter. Hang the birdhouse 4′ to 5′ off the ground.
Robins, Catbirds and Thrashers prefer an open front birdhouse. They use the platform for nesting and like the visibility the openness provides. The birdhouse should be hung in shade or partial shade. Under an over-hang or along main tree branches is ideal.
When building a birdhouse the easier the plan, the better. It is not necessary to paint or decorate the outside of the birdhouse. This is done purely for the aesthetic value.
Numerous plans are available on the Internet. Several good websites to visit are Wild-Bird-Watching, Las Pilitas Nursery and Attract Wild Birds. Free plans may be found for many types of birdhouses.
