Nesting Boxes
Species-specific plans, materials, and placement guidance to give local birds a safe place to raise their young.
Choose your species
The right box for the right bird
Every cavity-nesting species has different requirements for entrance hole size, interior dimensions, and mounting height. Choosing the correct design increases the chances of successful nesting and keeps occupants safe from predators.
Eastern Bluebird
A beloved backyard species that readily adopts nest boxes in open areas.
- Entrance hole: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
- Floor: 5 x 5 inches — Depth: 8 inches
- Mount height: 4 – 6 feet above ground
- Placement: Open field or meadow edge, facing away from prevailing wind
Black-capped Chickadee
Curious and adaptable, chickadees thrive in wooded yards and forest edges.
- Entrance hole: 1.125 inches (29 mm)
- Floor: 4 x 4 inches — Depth: 8 inches
- Mount height: 5 – 15 feet above ground
- Placement: Woodland edge or shaded yard with nearby tree cover
Screech Owl
A nocturnal neighbor that nests quietly in larger boxes placed among mature trees.
- Entrance hole: 3 inches (76 mm)
- Floor: 8 x 8 inches — Depth: 15 inches
- Mount height: 10 – 30 feet above ground
- Placement: Mature trees at forest edge, add 2 – 3 inches of wood shavings inside
House Wren
Energetic singers that will nest in remarkably small spaces close to human activity.
- Entrance hole: 1.125 inches (29 mm)
- Floor: 4 x 4 inches — Depth: 6 inches
- Mount height: 5 – 10 feet above ground
- Placement: Near shrubs or garden borders, partial shade preferred
Materials & construction
Building a box that lasts
Use untreated, rough-cut lumber for all nesting boxes. Cedar and pine are ideal — they weather well and are safe for birds. Avoid pressure-treated wood, plywood, and painted interiors.
- Use 3/4-inch (19 mm) untreated cedar or pine boards for insulation and durability
- Drill four 1/4-inch drainage holes in the floor to prevent water buildup
- Cut ventilation slots near the top of each side panel for airflow
- Include a hinged or removable side panel for annual cleaning
- Leave the interior unfinished — rough surfaces help fledglings climb to the entrance
- Add a predator guard (baffle or extended entrance tube) to discourage raccoons and snakes
Timing
When to install your nesting box
Timing matters. Install boxes before nesting season begins so birds have time to discover and evaluate them as potential homes.
Late Winter
Best time to install. Birds begin scouting nest sites as early as February in warmer regions.
Early Spring
Peak nest-building activity. Monitor for occupancy but avoid frequent disturbance.
Summer
Active nesting and fledging. Some species raise two or three broods in a single season.
Autumn
Clean out old nesting material after the last brood fledges. Repair and prep for next year.
Want to see what happens inside?
Add a gentle camera to your nesting box and follow the entire nesting journey — from the first twig to the day they fledge.