How to Build a Tufted Titmouse Birdhouse
The tufted titmouse lives year-round in forests and backyards of the eastern United States. Tufted titmice are characterized by their large black eyes that dominate their small faces, the puffy crest of hair that rises off their heads, and the patch of black that lies just above their beaks. Tufted titmice are often seen with woodpeckers and chickadees and enjoy feeding out of backyard feeders. They tend to nest in natural cavities of trees near swamps and in forests but will readily occupy available single-roomed birdhouses. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 4 feet of wood, 1 inch by 6 inches
- Saw
- Drill
- 1/2-inch bit
- 1 1/4-inch bit
- Pencil
- Wood glue
- Hinge
- 4 small screws
- 1 small nail (optional)
- Hammer (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut 1/2 inch off the wood lengthwise so the piece measures 5 1/2 inches wide throughout. Saw wood into six pieces to make a back (A), front (B), roof (C), two sides (D1 and D2), and floor (E). Piece A should be 11 inches long; pieces B, D1, and D2 should be 8 inches long; piece C should be 8 1/4 inches long; and piece E should be 4 inches long. You will be left with a small, 3/4-inch section of wood that will not be utilized.
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2
Drill ventilation holes in pieces D1, D2, and E using a 1/2-inch drill bit. Pieces D1 and D2 should have two ventilation holes located on the topside of the board 1 inch down and 1 inch in. Piece E should have four holes, located 1 inch down and 1 inch in from each corner.
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3
Draw the entrance hole on piece B so that the bottom is 1 1/4 inches from the top of the board and centered. The diameter of the hole should also measure 1 1/4 inches. Drill the hole out using the 1 1/4-inch drill bit.
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4
Glue the pieces together with wood glue with the exception of piece D2. This piece will be dealt with in step 5. The back (piece A) should have a slight overhang on the bottom and top to allow for attachment to a tree. Glue together D1 and B. Add C and E. When dry, glue the entire box to piece A. Allow to dry overnight.
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5
Screw the hinge to the center of piece C so it hangs down over the open side of the house where D2 will be attached. Attach the other side of the hinge to the top of piece D2 so that piece D2 is in place, but is able to swing upward to allow for cleaning.
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Tips & Warnings
To secure piece D2 while the birdhouse is occupied, drive a nail into it via the bottom of piece B that can be removed when the tufted titmouse abandons the house.
The birdhouse can be nailed to either deciduous of evergreen trees in a wooded area.
The biggest threat to birds that nest in domestic birdhouses are household pets. Be sure to hang the house out of the reach of curious cats.
