Birds and Birdhouse Preferences There's no single birdhouse that's suitable for all types of birds. When made properly, birdhouses are built to provide for the nesting needs of particular bird species or groups of species. Here are some of the common types of birdhouses and information on the types of birds that use them.
- Though the majority of bird species that use bird houses prefer a single nest box, some species -- like purple martins -- nest in colonies. Because purple martins feed on mosquitoes and other insects, they are especially popular as nesting visitors. As a result, there are many manufacturers of purple-martin houses (figure A). The houses come in a wide variety of styles and configurations.
- East of the Rocky Mountains, purple martins nest almost exclusively in man-made houses and rarely nest in the wild. Putting up housing for martins is therefore critical for maintaining martin populations in this region.
- Some martin houses are quite elaborate, and may incorporate special features such as predator guards. Martins will also nest in gourds (real or artificial) that have had an entrance hole cut in them (figure B).
- Plastic artificial-gourd houses are actually preferable to the real thing since they can be opened for cleaning, and since they stay cooler inside.
- Martin houses should be mounted at the top of tall poles, and should have a predator guard or baffle (figure C) near the bottom of the pole to keep predators like raccoons from raiding the nests.
- Rope and pulley systems (figure D) enable the complete martin-box complex to be raised and lowered for cleaning.
- There are numerous bird species that will nest in single-unit nesting boxes. One of the woodpecker species that regularly uses birdhouses is the red-bellied woodpecker. This is a fairly large species, so it needs a nest box with an entrance hole of at least 2 inches in diameter (figure E).
- Woodpeckers don't add nesting materials to a box, so it's best to place an inch or two of wood chips in the bottom to help contain and cushion the eggs.
- Another species that can use large nesting box like the woodpecker is the great crested flycatcher. Unlike the woodpecker, the flycatchers (figure F) will bring their own nesting material into the box.
- Nest boxes placed on poles in an open area are very likely to attract bluebirds and tree-swallows.
- Bluebirds are one of the most striking of the North American songbirds. The male bluebird (figure G) has a bright blue back and brick-red breast. The female has a more muted version of the same color pattern. As part of their courtship ritual, during the breeding season the male bluebird waves its wings in the presence of the female and brings her food.
- Many bird enthusiasts put up bluebird houses specially designed to appeal to this species. Bluebirds build their nests of fine grasses or pine needles. When the young hatch, the male and female bluebirds share the feeding responsibility.
- Tree swallows can nest in the same sized box as bluebirds (figure H ). The entrance hole on the box should be exactly 1-1/2 inches in diameter. This size entrance keeps aggressive and non-native starlings from taking over the nest box. Mature male and female swallows have the same markings.
- Some smaller bird species such as the black-capped chickadee and tufted titmouse like to nest in boxes located along the edge of woods.
- House wrens are another small species that like nest boxes, and they will actually build nest in birdhouses located right at your house -- such as on a deck or under the eaves of the roof (figure I).
- House wrens (figure J) are enjoyable to watch. The male has a very pleasant song, and helps with the building of the nest.
- When young wrens hatch, the parents make frequent trips to the nest box with food (figure K).
RESOURCES :
The Backyard Birdhouse Book
Model: 1580171044
Author: Rene Laubach and Christyna M. Laubach
1999
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
Complete Birdhouse Book
Model: 0316188867
Author: Donald Stokes and Williams Stokes
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here
Time Warner, Inc
New York , NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Website: www.twbookmark.com
The Ultimate Birdhouse Book: 40 Functional, Fantastic & Fanciful Houses
Model: 0806999357
Author: Deborah Morgenthal
(August, 1998)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Birdhouse Builder's Manual
Model: 1565231007
Author: Charles Grodski
(December, 1999)
Fox Chapel Publishing
Stokes Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds (A Stokes Backyard Nature Book)
Model: 0316817457
Author: Donald Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Don and Lillian Stokes' website
Stokes Birds at Home
Website: www.stokesbirdsathome.com
Stokes Birdhouse Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Nesting Birds
Model: 0316817147
Author: Donald W. Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
