Steps to Make a Finch Bird House

The purple finch is among the finch species native to North America.

Many species of finches are found from temperate to tropical regions around the world. North America alone has around 20 species of finches, including goldfinches, house finches and purple finches. During nesting season, finches look for sheltered locations, including bird houses. A simple bird house attractive to finches is relatively simple to make and provides a safe place for finch babies.

Materials and Tools

Select rough-cut wood, such as red cedar or cypress, that resists rot and provides a rough surface for birds to grasp. Choose a 1-by-6 board around 3 feet long, and a 1-by-8 board 12 inches long. A dozen 1 1/2-inch wood nails, two hinges with screws, and a small hook latch complete the materials. For tools, line up a saw, a hammer and a drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit and a 2-inch spade bit.

Board Preparation

Cut two 8-inch sections from the 1-by-6 board; these serve as the sides of the bird house. Cut two 7-inch sections for the front and roof boards, and one 6-inch section for the floor. The 12-inch 1-by-8 will be the back of the finch house.

Measure along one edge of both side boards and make a mark 1 inch from the end on each board. Draw a line from that mark to the opposite corner closest to the mark. Cut along that line to form an angled top for each board.

Drill a hole in one of the 7-inch boards that is in the center and about 3 inches from one end, using the spade bit; this is the entrance hole. Drill four 1/4-inch holes in the 6-inch floor board, each about 1 1/2 inches from the four edges of the board, to act as drainage holes. Drill a 1/4-inch hole along the center line of the back board about 1 inch from one end. The boards are now ready to assemble.

Assembly

Set the long edge of one of the side boards on the back board. Align the side board to the edge of the back board with the square end of the side board set 1 inch from the end of the back board. Attach the boards with nails through the back of the back board into the side piece. Attach the other side board in the same manner.

Place the front board on the edges of the side boards with the entrance hole near the angled ends and align the side and bottom edges. Nail the front board to the side boards. Insert the floor board into the bottom of the house and align it with the bottom edge of the side and front boards. Nail the side and front boards to the floor board.

Set the roof board on top of the angled ends of the side boards with the back edge of the roof board against the back board. Attach the roof board to the back board with two small hinges. Attach the hook portion of the hook latch to one side edge of the roof board. Attach the eye portion to the side board just below it.

Mounting

Most finches prefer bird houses that are out in the open and free of trees, shrubs or buildings. This provides a clear flight path directly to the house. Mount the bird house to a post, using the hole at the top of the backboard and a 2 1/2-inch-long wood screw. Set the bird house at least 6 feet off the ground to deter predators from reaching the house.

References

• 50 Birds: House Finch Bird House
• Rod's Woodworking Shop: How To Build A Birdhouse
• Nature Skills: How to Build a Bird House
• North Dakota State Game and Fish Department: Building Nest Structures, Feeders, and Photo Blinds for North Dakota Wildlife