Facts on Birds & Birdhouses of the Northeast
Most bird species have specific requirements for nesting. They look for certain locations, size of holes and distance from the ground. If you fulfill these requirements, you increase your chances of having birds use your birdhouses. Many migratory species spend part of the year in the Northeast, where they nest, breed, and then return to more southern climates when the weather turns cold.
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Bluebirds
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Bluebirds look for a hole that is 1 1/2 inches or smaller in diameter. This prevents larger birds from entering the birdhouse and killing the babies. Bluebird houses should be between three and five feet from the ground, mounted on a tree stump or fence post. A house set on the edge of a large clearing such as a cemetery or ball field is also attractive to bluebirds. Anything climbable should be fitted with a metal skirt to deter predators such as raccoons and domesticated cats. Mounting the house on an unclimbable metal pole will also deter predators.
Purple Martins
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Martins like houses that are on the edge of a body of water such as a pond or river, surrounded by open space. They need a fairly large area of open flying space around their houses. Martins nest in groups, so multiple houses or one large house with multiple rooms are good for them. They also prefer to nest quite high off the ground; mount your martin houses at between 10 and 20 feet high.
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Robins
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Robins usually nest in the crotch of a tree. To attract robins, build a platform rather than a house. Place it in a shaded and protected place that has characteristics similar to the crotch of a tree. Under the eaves of a porch or attached to the trunk of a tree are good alternatives. Proximity to shallow water and mud will also attract robins; they use mud as an inside liner in their nests.
Wrens
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The best opening for a wren is a horizontal slot about 1 inch high and 2 inches wide. Male wrens may build multiple nests for the female to use, so building several birdhouses in proximity may improve your luck with attracting them. Mount the houses at about 5 feet off the ground on partially shaded tree limbs. Wren houses can be put up fairly close to your house, as wrens are quite tolerant of humans.
Barn Swallows
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Barn swallows are the birds that you sometimes find in a mud nest under the eaves of your house. If you would prefer to have them somewhere else, build a nesting shelf that mimics the quality of your house eaves.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit doves in dovecot image by javarman from Fotolia.com
