Bird House Dimensions

There are different bird house dimensions for different species.

To attract the species you desire you will need to construct your bird house with specific sizes for the box itself, entrance holes and the species desired height placement above ground.

Using the correct bird house dimensions will also help to exclude undesirable species, i.e. house sparrows and starlings.

The table below will give you the recommended bird house plans/nest box sizes for various species:

Bird House Dimensions Chart By Species

*These species species use a nesting shelf (3 sides and an open front) or a platform instead of a closed-box design.

**If the Osprey platform is placed inland, the height should always exceed the height of any nearby trees or 20 feet whichever is greater.

Audubon Birdhouse Building Placing, and Maintaing Homes

Not only hole size, but the internal floor space and entrance height from the floor level also vary depending on the species.

Using the right dimensions for your bird house is a good start to attract certain species, but you will also want to do a little research as far as placement.

For example, if you install a bluebird house under trees as opposed to an open area, like a grassy meadow, your chances of having occupants will be greatly reduced.

If you follow the links below to specific bird house designs, there are more tips according to species.

Building a Bird House

The video below shows you how to build a bird house from scrap pieces of wood and offers some tips on construction. The ornithologist also explains why the decorative bird houses you buy from your local knickknack store isn't always best for the birds.

Here is another great book on bird house construction with easy to build plans:

For more specific designs and step by step instructions, go to these pages:

Bluebird House Plans

One-board bluebird house plans plus other designs, including one that keeps nestlings cool in hot climates.

Bluebird Hole Size for Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds

Purple Martin Bird House Plans

One and two levels designs with multiple rooms and how to attract purple martins.

Gourd Birdhouses

How to make bird houses from dried gourds for bluebirds, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, swallows, purple martins, how to grow and dry gourds, pre-made gourd birdhouses.

How to Build a Bird House - Hollow Wood Log

Step-by-step instructions of how to hollow out a log to make a bird house.

Bird House Hole Size for Robin?

Robins will not use bird houses to build their nests because they are not cavity nesters, like bluebirds, swallows, and wrens.

Instead, they build their nest in trees between branches and in shrubs, using grasses and mud.

If you want to attract robins to nest, you can provide a nesting platform or shelf.

American Kestrel Nest Box Plans

How to build a nest box with the correct dimensions for American Kestrels.

Wren House Plans

Plans with hole size requirements for House Wrens, Carolina Wrens, Winter Wrens, and Bewick's Wrens.

And for tips on bird house construction and materials go to:

Making Bird Houses - Construction Tips

Using the correct wood, box size, roof type, placement and more.

Install a Bird House Hole Guard

Installing a birdhouse hole guard is important to keep predators out to protect the nestlings.

Winter Bird House Plans

A winter roost box can help multiple birds shelter at night and keep warms when the weather is cold and snowy.

Free Bird House Plans Main Page

Plans for all species and constructions tips.

Bird House Hole Size To Keep Starlings Out

To keep starlings out of a bird house, the hole must be 1.5" or smaller.

If you are building a box for birds that require a larger size, such as wood ducks, kestrels, woodpeckers, etc.. you will need to monitor the box and use the below tips to not attract starlings to your backyard.

What birds use birdhouses?

As mentioned before, not all birds use bird houses or nest boxes; only cavity nesters like chickadess, wrens, bluebirds, swallows, purple martins, woodpeckers, etc..

Often people contact use and say they cannot find the correct hole size for a hummingbird, robin, mockingbird, waxwing, catbirds, cardinals, etc. but that is because they build their nests between the branches of trees and shrubs and not inside a tree cavity or hole and therefore won't use a birdhouse.

Robin and Phoebe Nest Shelf Plans

Hummingbird Birdhouse Hole Size?

Hummingibrds do not use bird houses since they are also not cavity nesters.

They build their tiny cup nests on the branches of trees and shrubs.

Will Cardinals Nest in a Birdhouse?

No, cardinals will not use bird houses. They build their nests in trees, dense shrubs, and within the tangles of thick vines.

Hope you enjoy building your bird house and its future occupants!

Birdhouse Dimensions Chart - US Fish & Wildlife Service Table

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