2torial #0965:
Learn2 Build a Birdhouse (continued)

Know your tenant

Even if you've spotted and identified cavity-nesting songbirds on your property, be sure you have the type of area that the bird will feel safe enough to nest in before you invest the time and materials to build the house. Here's a brief rundown of the habitat needs of the more common North American cavity-nesting birds:

Bluebirds like open areas, such as a large yard or field. They usually won't nest in urban areas, since the competition from more urban birds, like house sparrows, is too great. Houses mounted on fence posts or individual poles are ideal, about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) off the ground. For best results, mount houses in pairs, about 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.6 meters) apart, and 100 to 200 yards (91 to 182 meters) between the pairs.

Chickadees, nuthatches, flycatchers, pygmies, and titmice prefer fairly wooded areas (nuthatches particularly like evergreens, and flycatchers like to be on the edge of a field or stream). For best results, attach the birdhouse to a tree trunk anywhere from 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.5 meters) off the ground.

Wrens are sociable birds and aren't very picky about nesting spots (although they do like low shrubs). They also won't mind if their house is close to yours. Mount it on a tree or post 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) off the ground.

Tree and violet-green swallows like birdhouses attached to dead trees (if possible) about 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.5 meters) off the ground. They like insects, so a house located near a field, pond, lake, or river is ideal. You can also mount these houses in pairs (about 25 feet, or 7.6 meters, between each box, and about 75 yards, or 68.5 meters, between each pair).

Remember, the right placement and box size doesn't guarantee the desired bird will move in. But part of the fun of setting up a house is seeing what develops.