The Registry Of Nature Habitats

Nest Boxes - Selecting a bird house involves some pre-planning based upon your expectations and setting. When selecting a birdhouse it is important to keep these factors in mind:

The type of birds you are trying to attract.

85 species of North American birds are defined as cavity nesters- of these approximately 30 species of birds will use a birdhouse.

Once you have selected the species you want to attract, learn about their specific needs.

The desired appearance and visible setting for the birdhouse (place away from your birdfeeders).

Place opposite wind currents, in a relatively sunny area.

Proximity of protective landscaping to the bird house.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Competition and threat from other animals (cats, squirrels, raccoons, hawks).

Pay particular attention to the interior dimensions required by the species you want to attract.

Resist the temptation to cluster numerous bird houses together, birds are very territorial.

Clean the bird house annually using a 10% bleaching solution.

Be patient. Even with the right mixture of habitat, positioning, selection of housing, water, and feed it will take time before your site is adopted by a nesting pair of birds.

BIRD NESTING CHART

Species Habitat Height of Box Nesting Season Nesting Material Eggs

Bewick's Wren Edge of Woods, wood clearing, backyard near building 5 - 15' May - July Twigs, grass, lined w/ feathers 5 - 7 White w/brown flecks

Black-capped Chickadee Edge of Woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Wood chips, moss, hair, feathers 6 - 8 White w/red-brown speckles

Carolina Chickadee Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Wood chips, moss, hair, feathers 6 White w/brown speckles

Carolina Wren Edge of woods, wood clearing, backyard near building 5 - 15' May - July Twigs, dry grass 5 White to creamy

Downy Woodpecker Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Wood chips 4 - 5 White to pale buff

Eastern Bluebird Pasture, field 3 - 6' March - July Grasses, pine needles, weeds, lining of fine grass 4 - 5 Clear blue

Hairy Woodpecker Edge of woods, wood clearing 12 - 20' Feb - April Wood chips 3 - 6 White

House Wren Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Twigs, grass 6 - 7 White marked w/brown

Mountain Bluebird Pasture, field 3 - 6' April - July Weed stems, pine needles 4 - 6 Pale blue to bluish-white

Mountain Chickadee Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Moss, fur, feathers, shredded bark 7 - 9 White

Northern Flicker Pasture, field 10 - 30' April - July Wood chips 7 - 9 White

Plain Titmouse Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - August Moss, grass, feathers, fur 3 - 9 White

Red-shafted Flicker Pasture, field 10 - 30' Feb - April Wood chips 6 - 8 White

Screech Owl Edge of woods, wood clearing 10 - 30' Feb - April Wood chips 2 - 7 White

Tufted Titmouse Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 -15' April - August Grasses 5 - 6 White w/brown speckles

Tree Swallow Pasture, field 4 -15' March - May Grass lined w/feathers 4 - 6 White

Violet-green Swallow Pasture, field 4 -15' March - May Grass lined w/feathers 4 - 7 White

Western Bluebird Pasture, field 3 - 6' March - August Weed stems, twigs or feathers 4 - 6 Pale blue to bluish-white

White-breasted Nuthatch Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 -15' May - July Bark, roots, grass 5 - 6 White w/brown speckles

Yellow-shafted Flicker Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 -15' March - July Wood chips 5 - 10 White

In addition to birds, nest boxes may be provided for squirrels, chipmunks, mason bees, honey bees, butterflies & moths and bats.