Birdhouses & Nesting

Birdhouses and Nest Boxes That Get Used

Many birdhouses sit empty for years because the hole size, height or location is wrong for the species they were meant to attract. Others become traps for young birds when they overheat, leak, or are taken over by predators and invasive species. A well-built nest box is a simple way to support local birds, but only when the details are right.

These guides explain which species use boxes, what entrance size and interior dimensions suit them, and where and when to put a box up. You will learn how to choose safe materials, mount a box so predators have a harder time reaching it, and clean it out between seasons. If you find a nest with a protected species or an active nest in a structure you need to repair, check with your state wildlife agency or a licensed wildlife professional before you act.