Free Bird House Plans

"Why are there so many different bird house plans?"

Many bird house plans are species specific and for good reason. For example, cavity-nesters require different entry-hole diameters. A hole size for bluebird bird house plans will be different than one for wood ducks, of course.

Also, the appropriate size hole will exclude certain undesirable species. For example, a hole size 1 1/8 inch in diameter will exclude starlings and house sparrows, which often monopolize nest boxes and even evict more desirable species. So it is important to choose the appropriate bird house plan for the species you wish to attract.

How To Build A Bird House Video

This is a more elaborate design, but gives you a quick look at one type of bird house design. View our birdhouse plans further below for an easier to build box.

Some great inexpensive books on building bird houses from Amazon:

Approximately 1 dozen cavity-nesting birds will use boxes with a 1 1/2" entrance hole. These include Tree & Violet-green Swallows, bluebirds, chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and possibly titmice. Wrens will use holes that are smaller than 1 1/8" in diameter. Woodpeckers will prefer larger holes, 2 1/2" across.

Bird House Plans

Here are general bird house plans that will attract a variety of birds to nest. If you want more species specific designs, such as for bluebirds, purple martins, wrens, robins,  chickadees, owls or others, then view our bird house dimensions chart that includes bird house plans 34 species.

Birds nest in different habitats. So if you place your house in an open field, you are more likely to attract bluebirds or swallows. If you place your house in a more wooded area, you are more likely to attract nuthatches. So if you want to attract a certain species to your box, keep in mind their natural habitat when looking for a location.

Placement is also important. Your bird house site should not be surrounded by thick foliage, as parents need an open flight path to and from the nest. All locations should have an abundance of food, protective cover, and water.

Don't put a perch on the nest box. This makes it easier for raccoons, squirrels, cats and other predators to reach inside.

In general, bird houses should:

• Be several feet off the ground
• Face away from prevailing spring winds
• Have an angled front to prevent rain from entering the hole

The roof or one wall should be hinged, so the box can be opened and cleaned after use, and there should be small drainage holes in the bottom.

Unique and Fancy Bird House Design

I always think simpler is better, but some woodworkers like to make really elaborate and fancy birdhouses. That's okay if that's what you want, but the bird house in the video below is way over the top, don't you think?!

Keeping Predators Out of Your Bird Houses

Some examples of predator guards are baffle blocks or Noel wire raccoon guards around the entry-hole, and cone baffles or metal/PVC sleeves around the pole, tree, or post the house is mounted on.

Some birds do not nest in holes. Robin and phoebes for example, will use a tray-like ledge with a roof, attached to a tree or the side of a building. Barn swallows will use an unroofed shelf under the eave a building.

Wooden strips nailed under the eave on the outside of a barn or other large building in the open will make it easier for cliff swallows to attach their nests. After the nesting season is over, knock off the swallow nests, so that each pair will build a new one. This avoids occupation by house sparrows before the swallows return.

Bird House Plans By Type

Choose the appropriate link below for specific free bird house plans:

Bluebird House Plans
Variety of plans for Eastern, Western and Mountain bluebirds.

Bluebird House Plans #2 -Hot Weather Design
This bluebird house design keeps eggs and nestlings cool on hot days.

Robin & Phoebe Bird House Plans
Nest Shelves and platforms for Robins and Phoebes.

Wren House Plans
For house wrens, Carolina wrens and Bewick's wrens.

American Kestrel Nest Box Plans
Classic kestrel next box design with tips on construction.

Bird House Dimensions Chart
For 34 species; chickadees, hawks, owls, wrens, nuthatches, more.

If you like to build in general, then you probably would enjoy these 14,000 woodworking plans that includes bird house plus many more building projects for furniture and more.

Wooden Bird Houses
Some of the best wooden bird houses by ease of maintenance and durability

Making Bird Houses - Construction Tips
What kind of materials to use, roof slant, entrance hole shape, etc. 

Bird House Designs
General information about bird house designs and species specific nest box plans.

Duck Bird House Plan
Wood duck, Barrow's goldeneye, common goldeneye, hooded merganser, common merganser and bufflehead are all cavity nesting ducks.  

Free Bird House Plans
More free information about building bird houses.

Winter Bird House Plans - Provide a winter bird roost or shelter to keep birds warmer during the winter months.

Purple Martin Bird House Plans

Purple martins nest colonially in martin apartment houses. Bird house plans for martins vary from very simple to quite elaborate. Gourds may be used for martins as well and are very popular in the south. Hard shell gourds are members of the species, Lagenaria, also called bottle gourds. They can be suspended from crossbars on a tall pole.

Gourd Birdhouses -How to grow gourds and how to dry gourds in order to make gourd birdhouses for purple martins or other cavity-nesting birds. Also birdhouse gourds for sale and seeds.

Purple Martin Bird House Plans
Multi-level, multi-rooms designs for Purple Martin colonies.

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