How to Make Blue Birdhouses

Habitat loss makes it harder for bluebirds to find nesting sites

Bluebirds are cavity nesters, raising their young in natural tree cavities and abandoned woodpecker holes. When natural nesting sites are hard to find, bluebirds might move into a wooden birdhouse that meets their requirements. Making a bluebird house is an inexpensive woodworking project requiring only a few basic tools and a small amount of lumber. Make and start a bluebird trail by hanging them near open fields, pastures and along the edge of woodlands.

Things You'll Need

• Saw (hand, power or table)
• Hammer
• Drill
• 1/4 inch diameter drill bit
• 1-1/2 inch diameter drill bit

Instructions

1. Cut a cedar, pine or redwood board into the parts and dimensions needed for the wooden birdhouse. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, bluebirds prefer a nesting box built to the inside dimensions of 5 1/2 inches wide, 5 1/2 inches deep and 8 inches high. An entrance hole 1 1/2 inches in diameter is large enough for bluebirds, but prevents competition from larger and more aggressive birds such as starlings.

   Birdhouse parts:
   1 Front piece 7 inches wide by 9 inches long
   1 Back piece 7 inches wide by 16 inches long
   2 Side pieces 5 1/2 inches wide by 8 1/2 inches long
   1 Roof piece 8 1/2 inches wide by 9 inches long
   1 Bottom piece 5 1/2 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches long
   1 Entrance guard piece 3 inches wide by 3 inches long

2. Lay out the position for the entrance hole on the front piece by measuring 6 1/2 inches from the bottom edge. Drill the hole at the center with a 1 1/2 inch diameter drill bit.

3. Drill another 11/2 inch diameter hole through the center of the entrance guard and attach the guard over the hole in the front section using short, weather resistant nails. The guard helps protect baby bluebirds from predators such as raccoons. Turning the guard on a bias creates a diamond shape, adding visual interest.

4. Drill five holes, 1/4 inch in diameter each, through the bottom piece for drainage. Drill one hole in the center and one near each corner.

5. Line up the bottom edges of the front with a side piece and attach with weather resistant nails or screws. Sides are 1/2 inch shorter than the front, creating a small gap under the roof for ventilation. Attach the bottom to the back and sides using nails or screws.

6. Place the back piece against the front and side pieces, centering it. The back piece extends above and below the nest box, providing nailing areas for hanging. Attach the back, then center and then the roof.

7. Position the last side piece into place. To make a door for cleaning the box, use two nails to form a simple hinge. Drive the first nail through the front piece and into the edge of the side section, approximately 1 inch from the top. Drive a second nail through the back section and into the edge of the side piece, opposite the first nail to create a pivot point. Secure the door with a screw, centered along the bottom edge.

8. Hang the finished house 6 to 10 feet above the ground, facing an open field or pasture. It may take some time before bluebirds find the new nest box.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang several birdhouses approximately 150 feet apart to create a bluebird trail. Setting out a group of nest boxes increases the chance for attracting bluebirds while decreasing competition for nesting sites.

References

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology