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Nesting birds are rewarding to watch. Get expert tips for on how to attract birds to a birdhouse and learn how to choose the best birdhouse.

There are few bird-watching experiences more rewarding than setting up a birdhouse and having a pair of birds select it as their home to raise young. Get ready for an adventure as you witness the awe-inspiring life cycle of birds. But setting up a successful birdhouse isn't as simple as "build it and they will come." There are several key factors to consider as you choose a birdhouse.

Many backyard birds will not use a birdhouse or nest box, including popular species like cardinals, orioles and goldfinches. But enough birds do nest in birdhouses to make it worthwhile to set up a few to see what happens.

About 30 bird species in each region of the country are so-called cavity nesters, which means that most of them will also use a birdhouse. Bluebirds, purple martins, house wrens, chickadees, tree swallows and house sparrows are the most common birds that nest in houses. Attracting birds like wood ducks, screech-owls, woodpeckers, titmice and nuthatches may also be possible.

When birds nest on your property and raise their young, it's so gratifying. "It's the ultimate standard of success," said Robyn Bailey, project leader of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch program. "And it brings a greater diversity of birds to your backyard."

Learn how to build a one-board DIY birdhouse.

Select a Good Birdhouse Location

Birdhouses should hang in the habitats the birds like most. Each species has different habitat requirements, and this includes the environment they'll choose for nesting. For example, the best location for a bluebird house is an area facing or surrounded by open fields, where the insects they eat and feed to their young are plentiful. They prefer nest boxes with a clear flight path. Chickadees are just the opposite. They prefer houses in a thicket or a stand of small trees and shrubs. House wrens like to choose a home near woody vegetation. Purple martins select apartment houses placed on a tall pole in the middle of a lawn or open field. And tree swallows want to be close to water where they can find aquatic insects to eat and feed to their young. Try not to place the house too close to bird feeders.

Here's how to build a DIY bluebird house.

Pick the Proper Birdhouse Design

In addition to specific habitats, different bird species also require varied types of birdhouses. Purple martins like to live in communities of many birds of their species. Therefore, an apartment-style house or multiple nesting gourds work best. House wrens live in single, small houses, and prefer not to have other wrens close by. Bluebirds require single-room dwellings, typically 50 to 75 yards apart. No matter what type of birdhouse you use, wood is the best material. The houses also should have ventilation around the top and drainage holes in the floor, and be painted or stained an earth tone. The exception is purple martin houses, which often are made of aluminum (or dried gourds) and painted white to reflect heat.

Learn how to make a purple martin gourd house.

Attract Birds to the Right Size Birdhouse

Generally, small songbirds need small houses; large birds require large houses. House wrens are happy with an 8-inch-tall house with a 4- by 6-inch base, while a chickadee birdhouse should be 8-inches tall with a 5- by 5-inch base. Bluebirds need more room, so a box that's 5-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches and 10 inches tall is perfect. Wood ducks and screech-owls need big houses, 10 by 10 inches and 24 inches high.

Check out more proven tips to attract nesting birds.

Pay Attention to the Entrance Hole Size

A very important aspect of selecting the right house for the nesting birds you want to attract is the size of the entrance hole. Consult this helpful birdhouse hole size chart for guidelines. House wrens require the smallest entrance, only 1-1/8 inches. This will also keep out competing nesters, since almost no other birds can fit through such a small opening. Wood ducks and screech-owls like an elliptical doorway that is 4 by 3 inches and about 20 inches above the floor of the house. The oval-shaped entrance helps prevent predators like raccoons from entering. Chickadees, tufted titmice and nuthatches are comfortable with a 1-1/4-inch hole, while bluebirds need about 1-1/2 inches to get inside.

Check out these unique birdhouses birds will actually use.

Hang the Birdhouse at the Right Height

The final factor to consider is that nesting birds prefer their houses at different heights. If the house you buy doesn't have hanging instructions attached, take a moment to look them up.

Purple martin houses need to be about 15 to 20 feet above the ground. Wood ducks and screech-owls also need lofty homes, 12 to 40 feet high. For bluebirds, secure the house to a post 5 to 8 feet above the ground. House wrens prefer them 6 to 10 feet above the ground and hanging from a tree. Chickadees are most likely to nest in houses that are 4 to 8 feet above the floor of a thicket.

This is the only bird nesting material you should put out.

When to Put Out Birdhouses

To ensure that the home is available to early nesters, put out your box by February if you live in the South, mid-March if you live up north. Don't forget about late-nesting birds. If you prefer, you can keep it up all year.

Even if you follow these requirements, not every birdhouse will be successful. The best advice on how to attract birds to a birdhouse is to offer multiple houses of several types. Then, chances are good you'll have some winged tenants to admire come nesting season.

Find out how to get rid of wasp nests in birdhouses without pesticides.

Watch for Nests

"It's a common misconception that you shouldn't check on a bird or monitor its nest," Robyn said. "Checking on your occupants is a good way to make sure things are going the way you'd hope."

Moving as nonintrusively as possible, or check your birdhouse once or twice a week, keeping visits to less than a minute. If you want to put your data to good use in studying birds, record what you see using the mobile phone app. NestWatch website

Learn how to identify bird eggs by color and size.

Keep Your Birdhouse Clean

Each spring and fall, use a paint scraper to scoop nesting materials out and clean the birdhouse. If it's heavily soiled, wear a mask and wash the house with soap and water.
Do birds reuse their nests?
What Birds Use Birdhouses?

Learn about 8 different kinds of bird nests and how to spot them.

The Best Birdhouses and Nest Boxes to Buy

Welcome more bird families to your backyard with a variety of cozy places for them to raise their young.

Songbird House

Chickadees, titmice and wrens are the most common backyard cavity nesters. They take up residence in classic wood birdhouses, but they're very particular about the size of the entrance hole. These songbirds are most likely to raise a family in a box if the hole is 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Bluebird and Tree Swallow House

Look for a house or nest box that is approved by the North American Bluebird Society to meet these birds' specific requirements. Bluebirds need a slightly larger house than the smallest songbirds. Don't be alarmed if tree swallows also use the nest box.

Purple Martin House

A type of swallow, purple martins nest in colonies, so consider a six- to 12-cavity house. Being a martin landlord takes some commitment, though. First set up the large multi-unit house 12 to 18 feet above ground-and then keep the cavities clear of nonnative house sparrows.

Woodpecker House

Entice woodpeckers with nest boxes attached to tree trunks, anywhere from 8 to 12 feet high. Add 4 inches of wood shavings to the floor- woodpeckers use it as nesting material. The preferred entrance hole size varies by species. Downies like 1 1/4 inches; flickers favor 2 1/2 inches.

Screech Owl House

Attract owls to reduce garden pests! Hang a house for screech-owls to nest in the summer and roost in winter. They will use a box with an elliptical entrance hole 4 inches wide by 3 inches high. Watch them peek their heads out around dusk. Bonus! Wood ducks are attracted to the same type of birdhouse.

Learn how to spot the owl in your backyard trees.

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Choose the Best Birdhouses to Attract More Birds

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Nesting birds are rewarding to watch. Get expert tips for on how to attract birds to a birdhouse and learn how to choose the best birdhouse. There are few bird-watching experiences more rewarding than setting up a birdhouse and having a pair of birds select it as their home to raise young.

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A birdhouse is often called a nesting house because it offers a safe place for birds to build their nests, protecting them from weather conditions and predators. During the winter season, they give birds a place to huddle together for warmth away from the cold air.

Outdoor birdhouses serve as the common answer to the problems that arise in your garden, such as controlling pests and weeds, keeping flowers pollinated, and conserving plants.

Various species of birds provide great help for your yard as some eat insects and weed seeds, while others love to sip nectar from flowers to help pollinate.

We Recommend

Woodlink Bluebird
Bird House

BestNest S&K 16 Room
Bird House

Nature’s Way Cedar
Bird House

First, which birds you want to attract into birdhouse?

Wrens – House wrens and Carolina wrens are among the easiest birds to attract to birdhouses. House wrens prefer their houses hanging from a small tree in the middle of a yard, or along the border of an open yard. Carolina wrens will go into a birdhouse that is well hidden in natural habitat.

Bluebirds – All three bluebird species (eastern, western, and mountain) will use a birdhouse. Bluebirds feed their young insects they capture in open, grassy fields. Their houses are most acceptable if placed on a post that faces or is very near, an open field where they can find food.

Chickadees and Titmice – All species of chickadees and titmice will use birdhouses. These birds nest in dense natural habitat, such as thickets or stands of small trees.

Tree swallows – A tree swallow house should be near water. Like bluebirds, tree swallows like to catch their insect food above open fields or water. Their houses should be placed facing this kind of natural habitat.

Purple Martins – Purple martins use apartment houses that accommodate numerous families. They also like bird-houses made out of gourds. A long sweep of grassy lawn or field should surround the martin apartment house as these birds hunt insects on the wing. A nearby utility wire may make the habitat even more attractive because purple martins like to perch on or near their houses.

Wood Ducks – One of the few cavity-nesting ducks, wood ducks naturally nest in a tree cavity, but readily inhabit a house. These tree ducks look for houses that are in trees on or near lakes, rivers, or streams, to which they can lead their broods after the ducklings vacate the house.

Screech-owls – Roosting owls will sit in entrance holes at dusk. Birdhouses mounted on the trunk of a tree in a woodland of mature trees will bring owl occupancy either for nesting in early spring or for roosting in winter.

American Robins – Because they often nest on ledges and downspouts on people’s houses, robins also may use a shelter that is a three-sided birdhouse. The shelter should be mounted in a location surrounded by natural habitat, including mature trees and grassy lawns for hunting earthworms.

Woodpeckers – All woodpeckers nest in tree cavities, but northern flickers, red-headed woodpeckers, and downy woodpeckers also may take up residence in birdhouses. Because woodpeckers are woodland birds, they will be more likely to occupy birdhouses that are mounted on the trunks of mature trees in the middle of the woodlands.

Where you should put the birdhouse?

The location of the bird house is just as important as the size of the box in attracting specific birds. Depending on the species, some birds may prefer wooded, shady, or open grass areas.

However, most birds prefer a sunny open space, so dense shade isn’t recommended. There are many locations to account for when you try to attract certain birds to your yard.

Some bird species, such as woodpeckers and wood ducks, want their nesting boxes attached to the trunks of trees. To them, bird houses are good substitutes for tree cavities.

Most of the time, bird houses should be mounted on sturdy poles or posts to keep predators like rodents or cats away.

To further discourage predators, wrap the post with sheet metal guard. This covering prevents predators from easily climbing up the post. You can also have a piece of stovepipe around the pole to serve as a baffle.

Bird houses hung in trees should be from 5 to 30 feet above the ground where enemies can’t access it. Bird houses should be located in areas because birds like to have a clear flight path to the entrance for delivering food.

Open fields that are far enough away from gardens serve as great feeding grounds for birds like Purple Martins and American Robins.

Which direction should the bird house face?

The entrance hole should face away from the prevailing wind to protect young birds from rain and cold winds. Ultimately it depends on which direction your storm pattern comes from in your area during the breeding season, spring to early summer.

Your bird houses should always face the opening to the opposite direction your storms normally come from. In warm climates, face the box north or east to help keep the interior cool. As a general rule, put no more than four nesting boxes in a 1-acre area.

All birds have their preferences in which direction they want bird houses to face. For example, bluebirds prefer to have their houses face east, north, south, and west.

How to attract birds to bird houses?

There are many components that go into attracting birds to your bird houses. Your bird house environment must provide the basic necessities, or else birds won’t stay in your bird house for long.

Food: The primary source of food for most birds would be seeds like black oil sunflower seeds, but also specialized foods like suet and mealworms can attract certain birds.

Water: Freshwater for drinking and bathing is absolutely needed for all birds. Whether you use basic bird baths or bird bath fountains for the splashing sounds and bright sparkles, you will be able to attract birds.

Shelter: The most attractive shelters for nesting birds include evergreen trees and various native plants. Some birds like woodpeckers prefer dead trees that have cavities in them.

Landscaping: Provide native plants and naturalized areas for your birds to feel comfortable. Don’t use too many pesticides or other chemicals, or else birds won’t be able to feast on insects, nor will there be enough spider silk available for nesting.

Nesting Material: Provide various sources of nesting material such as twigs, leaves, and weeds. Try not to be too excessive in providing nesting material because some birds prefer to build their own nests from scratch.

How to keep your bird house clean?

A dirty bird house that isn’t safe won’t be used by birds nor their hatchlings. Rodents, insects, feather mites, fungus, and bacteria can invade bird houses and can spread diseases to nesting birds.

The best time to clean bird houses would be in early August because that is usually the time when the nesting brood has fledged and moved on. Here are some tips on how to clean your bird house.

1. Remove old nesting material and scrape out any feces or clumped matter. Place this material inside a plastic bag so that it won’t spread any parasites.

2. Scrub the bird house thoroughly with a solution of one part chlorine bleach to nine parts warm water. Make sure the corners, the entrance hole, and all drainage and ventilation holes are scrubbed to remove all debris and contamination.

3. Rinse the house well in clean water for several minutes. After this, dry the house in direct sunlight for several hours. This will break down any remaining chlorine or chemicals and ensures no moist crevices for mold to develop.

4. Inspect the house for any loose hinges, nails, or screws that stick out, splinters, and other hazards that can injure birds. Make sure all drainage and ventilation holes are unobstructed before reassembling the bird house if you need to drill more holes for extra drainage and ventilation.

How to choose the right bird house?

It is important to know before buying or building a bird house just which bird species you want to attract. Many small birds that use bird houses are picky about the size, shape, and entrance hole of their nests.

Entrance Holes: Holes are needed for ventilation and drainage. Ideal hole sizes for birds are 1 1/8” for wrens, 1 1/2” for bluebirds, and 1 1/4” for chickadees and titmice.

Size: The more eggs a bird lays, the larger a base the bird house will need to accommodate each egg safely and comfortably.

Materials: The nesting box may have painted, stained, or metal details, but the interior of the house should be untreated. Look for bird houses made of red cedar or bald-cypress. Pine and plywood also work but expect to replace it more often. A great option is a Gazebo feeder.

Thick Walls: Make sure your bird houses have strong foundations. Thick walls constructed of untreated wood for insulation ensure a lasting experience for nesting birds.

Sloped Roof: An extended and sloped roof is used to keep out the rain, preventing internal damage to the bird house.

Baffle: Squirrels, raccoons, snakes, and house cats and other predators can steal eggs and chicks from nests. Baffles are used to keep these predators away. One of the best baffles is made from a length of stovepipe.

Best Bird Houses

1. Nature's Way Cedar Bird House

The Nature’s Way Bird House has a simplistic design and is made with premium cedar wood, which is resistant to insects and rotting.

This house can be mounted on a metal pipe using pipe clamps, though the clamps are not included in this design.

Alternatively, you can mount this house directly to a 4 x 4 bird house post, wooden fence post or tree by placing screws through the backboard above and below the nesting chamber.

There is a viewing window on the side of this house, which is clear and crack-resistant. This house has optimum ventilation through wall and floor openings.

An elevated mesh floor is included to ensure that bird nests are elevated off the wooden floor base. This improves air circulation and prevents insect infestations.

There is also a Predator Guard which extends the entrance to protect birds against predators.

Check the price of Nature’s Way Cedar Bird House here

What we liked

The minimalistic design

Easy cleaning (the house’s clean-out doors)

The thick cedar walls and the Predator Guard

For young birds there are grooves just below the entry hole that allow them to climb up to feed and to look around

Can be installed with either a pole mount or a flush mount

What we didn’t like

No landing perch (can be added)

Dark roof may cause heat issues during summer

Best for: Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Chickadees, Nuthatches
Measurements: 8.1 x 7.5 x 12 inches

2. Nature's Way Cedar Bird House

This hanging bird house is also made with premium cedar that is naturally resistant to both insects and rotting.

This house is specifically made for small birds like wrens and chickadees as it has an entrance hole of 1 1/8” which will keep out sparrows and other larger birds.

Plenty of air vents are provided to allow for proper air ventilation through wall and floor openings.

This house has a sloped roof, which serves as protection against rainfall and has clean-out doors that provide easy access to cleaning.

The hanging design of this bird house gives wrens and chickadees what they want. The hardware that was used to construct this house is all rust-free.

Check the price of Nature’s Way Cedar Bird House here

What we liked

Thick cedar walls provide protection

Easy to clean (The clean-out doors)

The entrance hole is designed for small birds (keeps larger birds out)

Reliable vinyl coated steel hanging cable

Proper air ventilation

What we didn’t like

Cannot be mounted on a pole by default

No clear plastic or glass window to look inside

Best for: Wrens, Chickadees
Measurements: 8.9 x 8 x 8 inches

3. Woodlink Coppertop Cedar Bird House

Made with natural cedar, this Woodlink bird house features a roof that is covered under a sheet of copper.

Specifically made for bluebirds, this house comes with a predator guard that fits in with its small 1-9/16″ entrance hole.

This house can be mounted on a post or a pole at a minimum of 4 to 5 feet off the ground.

The design of this house features a single door in the front that swings out.

When it comes to air ventilation, there is only a considerable gap left at the top of the front where the clean-out door is located.

While the copper top is durable and nice to look at, it is worth noting that this top efficiently conducts heat. It is recommended to avoid placing this bird house in direct sunlight, and instead, find areas in your yard that have more shade.

Check the price of Woodlink Coppertop Cedar Bird House here

What we liked

The predator guard

Easy to clean

You can mount this house on a pole if needed

The size of the hole is specifically made for smaller birds (keeps larger birds away)

The copper top helps to shed the elements and deters the squirrels from chewing

What we didn’t like

Not a lot space for air ventilation

Best for: Bluebirds, Wrens, Chickadees
Measurements: 7.2 x 9 x 13.5 inches

4. BestNest S&K 16 Room Purple Martin House

This BestNest bird house has a beautiful design and is meant to specifically attract Purple Martins.

The Purple Martin mansion has 16 rooms and it comes with an aluminum pole and ground socket.

A subtle but pleasant addition is a pair of Purple Martin decoys which help attract wild birds to the house.

The entrance holes to this house are great for martins as they measure at 3″ x 1.125″.

The front panels of this house open up, serving as clean-out doors. You will have easy access to each level of this house to clean.

However, one of the main drawbacks of this design would be the fact that this house is made with plastic and not wood, so, therefore, you won’t be guaranteed that the house will remain sturdy over a longer period of time.

Check the price of BestNest S&K Purple Martin House here

What we liked

The aluminium pole gives this house great stability

16 rooms

Front panels open up for easy cleaning

Front panels and sides are areas for perching

Specifically designed for purple martins

What we didn’t like

Made out of plastic

Best for: Purple Martins
Measurements: 19.5 x 18.5 x 21 inches

5. Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House

This bird house is constructed of durable refrosted, kiln dried, inland red cedar that is both weather resistant and insect repelling.

The front of the house has an entrance hole that measures in at 1 1/2”, which is especially attractive to the eastern bluebird.

The front panel of the house is easy to open to allow for quick and easy cleaning.

The front rotates inward for checking the progress of nesting birds. There is a 1/2 inch gap located at the top of the front panel, which provides air ventilation.

There is also a drain hole in the base. There is a single sloped roof that provides great insulation for the nesting area.

Check the price of Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House here

What we liked

Extremely easy to open and clean

Specifically made for eastern bluebirds

Gap for air ventilation and a drain hole at the base

Weather resistant

Can be mounted on a pole

What we didn’t like

The inside doesn’t have any kerfs

Best for: Bluebirds
Measurements: 6.2 x 7.1 x 11.8 inches

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5 Best Bird Houses in 2022 (to Attract Nesting Birds) - World Birds

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A birdhouse is often called a nesting house because it offers a safe place for birds to build their nests, ... 5 Best Bird Houses in 2022 (to Attract Nesting Birds) Read More "

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These free birdhouse plans include everything you need to build a birdhouse for your yard. You'll find detailed instructions, diagrams, photos, and materials and supplies lists. Some of the plans even include videos and user tips.

Building a birdhouse is a great beginner project but more details can make it a great project for a more advanced woodworker. Even children can handle a simple birdhouse plan with a little adult assistance.

Before you choose a free DIY bird house plan you'll want to decide where you're going to put the finished house. This will help you decide what type (tree, hanging, pole, etc.) and size of birdhouse you should choose.

Some birdhouses are better than others for certain types of birds. Choose a plan with an entrance hole size that makes sense and is a size that allows the birds plenty of room to nest.

Here are the free birdhouse plans. You'll find everything from simple birdhouses to more advanced homes. Be sure to click on each of the links to find instructions, diagrams, and photos.

Basic Birdhouse Plan: Here's a free birdhouse plan that's a great design for the beginner woodworker or those looking for a quick project.

Backyard Birdhouse Plan: Here's a very cool looking free birdhouse plan that will make your backyard birds feel like royalty.

Modern Birdhouse: Make an A-frame modern birdhouse that embraces the coastal style of natural birch and white painted wood.

Pole Birdhouse Plan: Use this free plan to build a simple birdhouse atop a pole that you can put into the ground.

Bird's Nesting Box: Here's a plan for a nesting box that will keep your backyard birds cozy all winter.

Nesting Box Free Plan: Here's a beginner birdhouse plan that encourages you to change the plan as needed for your space.

Simple Bird House Plan: This plan will get you a very simple and straightforward birdhouse that can be nailed to a tree or post.

Green Roof Bird House Plan: Wrens and chickadees will especially love this birdhouse that you can grow plants and flowers on top of

DIY Bluebird House: This birdhouse plan features a great design that can be put together in an afternoon.

Teacup Bird House: No, this isn't a birdhouse made out a teacup, it's a wooden birdhouse in the shape of a teacup.

DIY Birdhouse Plan: Here's a plan for a straightforward birdhouse that will give the birds protection and allow them to sit outside.

House Sparrow Bird Box: Use this plan to build a bird box just for house sparrows. Place it under your house easements to get the most use.

Old Clock Birdhouse: This DIY project proves that you can make a birdhouse out of just about anything! These instructions show you how to purchase an old clock and turn into a new home for the birds.

Modern Birdhouse: Not all birdhouses have to be boring, and this modern one will make you smile.

Bluebird House: Here's another plan for a DIY birdhouse, this one is a great classic style that would look great in any yard.

DIY SImple Birdhouse: This is a basic plan for a simple DIY birdhouse. This would be a great one for the kids to help out with.

Rustic Birdhouse: This is more of a makeover project for a birdhouse instead of a building one. An existing birdhouse is taken and made over with twigs and moss to give it a lovely rustic look.

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Give Birds a Home With These 27 Free Birdhouse Plans

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These free birdhouse plans include everything you need to build a birdhouse for your yard. You'll find detailed instructions, diagrams, photos, and materials and supplies lists. Some of the plans even include videos and user tips. Building a birdhouse is a great beginner project but more details can make it a great project for a more advanced woodworker.

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The Importance of Bird Houses — Bird House Benefits