How to Build a Carolina Wren House

Carolina wrens are popular backyard visitors.

Curious clowns of the bird feeder community, the Carolina wren is one of the most recognizable birds that visit backyards. Their loud, raucous calls echo in the spring and summer as they forage for spiders, insects and the occasional bit of suet. They are excellent predators on garden insects and will enthusiastically rummage in foliage and ground cover for food for their babies. They will nest in nearly any empty cavity, including flower pots, hats and even garden shoes, but they prefer snug boxes well away from predators.

Things You'll Need

• 6-by-6-feet, 5/8-inch red or white cedar plank
• Measuring tape
• Handsaw or power saw
• 2-inch weatherproof screws
• 2 1-inch hinges
• 2 3-inch weatherproof screws
• Jigsaw or drill with a 1 ½-inch hole saw
• 2 shutter hooks
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Cutting the Pieces

1. Cut one piece of lumber 13 3/8 inches by 5 1/4 inches. This will be the back of the house.

2. Cut one piece 4 inches by 9 inches and another piece 4 inches by 10 inches on the other. These will form the sides of the house.

3. Cut one piece 4 inches by 4 inches. Cut 1/2 inch off each corner for drainage. This will be the bottom of the house.

4. Cut one piece 9 inches by 5 1/4 inches. Cut a 1 1/2-inch hole with the top of the hole 7 inches from the bottom and centered. This will be the front of the house.

Putting it Together

1. Fasten the right side to the back with the 2-inch screws, leaving space at the top and the bottom. Fasten the floor to the side and back with 2-inch screws as well.

2. Fasten the left side to the back and floor. Fasten the front to the sides and the floor, again using the 2-inch screws.

3. Attach the hinges to the top using the small screws included with the hinges. Attach the hinges to the back panel.

4. Attach shutter hooks to the top and the side panels. These will keep the top closed and prevent predators from opening the top and crawling inside but allow the house to be cleaned out after nesting season.

5. Mount the house on a tree or pole at chest height in a secluded location near thick brush. Male wrens will build several nests to attract a mate, so hanging several boxes will attract more birds.

Tips & Warnings

• Chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and sparrows may also nest in these boxes.

References

• 50 Birds: Carolina Wren Nest Box