Birdhouse dimensions calculator
Open lawn, pasture or field edge with scattered perches, facing an open area.
Drill 1/4 inch drainage holes in the floor corners and leave gaps under the roof for ventilation. Never add a perch: native cavity nesters do not need one, and it helps predators and house sparrows.
Hole size is the one number that matters most: it decides who can get in. A 1 1/2 inch hole admits bluebirds but excludes starlings; 1 1/8 inch excludes house sparrows. Sources: Cornell Lab NestWatch nest box tables and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service "Homes for Birds".
Ready-made boxes and mounting poles
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Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What size hole does a bluebird house need?
Eastern bluebirds need a 1 1/2 inch round entrance hole, which is large enough for them and small enough to keep out European starlings. Western and mountain bluebirds are slightly larger and are usually given a 1 9/16 inch hole, which still excludes starlings. The hole centre sits 6 to 10 inches above the floor so nestlings are out of reach of a raccoon paw.
What are standard birdhouse dimensions?
There is no single standard: size is set by the species. Small cavity nesters such as wrens and chickadees use a 4 x 4 inch floor and 8 to 10 inches of depth. Bluebirds and tree swallows use 5 x 5 inches. Woodpeckers, kestrels and screech-owls need 6 x 6 to 8 x 8 inch floors and 12 to 15 inches of depth. The entrance hole size matters most.
Should a birdhouse have a perch?
No. Native cavity-nesting birds cling to the entrance without one, and a perch gives house sparrows, starlings and predators such as raccoons and snakes something to hold while they reach inside. Nest box plans from wildlife agencies omit perches deliberately. A rough surface or a few saw kerfs below the hole on the inside helps fledglings climb out.
How high should a birdhouse be mounted?
Mounting height follows the species: bluebirds 4 to 6 feet, wrens and chickadees 5 to 15 feet, tree swallows 5 to 10 feet, woodpeckers and screech-owls 10 to 20 feet or higher, purple martins 10 to 20 feet on a telescoping pole. A smooth metal pole with a predator guard beats a tree or fence post, which cats and snakes can climb.
What wood is best for a birdhouse?
Untreated cedar, cypress or exterior-grade pine at about 3/4 inch thick is the standard. It insulates better than thin plywood or metal. Never use pressure-treated lumber and never paint or stain the inside. If you paint the outside, use a light colour so the box does not overheat in sun. Recycled plastic lumber boxes also work well.