In the wild, many backyard birds nest in natural cavities — hollow trees, old woodpecker holes, or crevices in dead wood. Since most of us don’t leave standing dead trees in our yards, birds have learned to rely on man-made bird houses to raise their young.
That’s great news for birds — and for bird lovers — but it does raise one big question:
How do you choose the right bird house?
With so many styles available today, from simple wooden boxes to decorative “bird mansions,” it’s easy to get distracted by looks. The truth is, birds don’t care about paint colors or fancy trim. What they do care about are a few key features that make a house safe, comfortable, and successful for nesting.
What Birds Look for in a Bird House
Entry hole size matters
The size of the entrance hole determines which birds can use the house — and which ones can’t. For example, Eastern Bluebirds prefer a 1½" round hole, while Western and Mountain Bluebirds need a slightly larger 1 9⁄16" opening. Oval or slot-style openings can help discourage invasive species like House Sparrows.
Ventilation and drainage are essential
A good bird house should stay dry inside while allowing heat and moisture to escape. Look for ventilation holes near the top and drainage holes in the floor.
Easy access for cleaning
Bird houses should be cleaned out after each nesting season. A design with a hinged top, side, or front panel makes this quick and easy — especially if you plan to monitor nests.
Safe, durable materials
Pine and cedar are classic choices, while modern recycled plastic lumber offers excellent durability and sanitation. Avoid pressure-treated wood, which can be toxic to birds.
Protection from parasites
Some bird houses include mesh floor inserts that help keep nestlings safe from blowfly larvae and other parasites.
Predator protection
A built-in predator guard is one of the most important features to look for. Proper guards help prevent raccoons, snakes, cats, and other climbers from reaching inside the nest box.
Bird House Size & Placement Guide
Different birds have different nesting needs. Use the charts below as a general guide when choosing and placing a bird house in your yard.
Choosing Made Easy
If all of this sounds like a lot to think about, don’t worry — you don’t have to start from scratch. Well-designed bird houses already include the features birds need most.
The Duncraft Bird-Safe® Bluebird House & Pole with Noel Guard, for example, checks every box: proper entry size, ventilation, drainage, easy cleaning, and predator protection. It’s available in natural pine or durable recycled plastic. Duncraft’s Eco-Friendly Bluebird House is another excellent option, designed with both birds and sustainability in mind.
If those aren’t quite right for your yard, we offer dozens of other bird houses in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials — so you can find one that works for both you and your backyard birds.
Have questions? Our customer service team is always happy to help you choose the perfect bird house for your space and the birds you want to attract.
Call us at 1-888-879-5095 or email info@duncraft.com. We’re available Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm Eastern Time.
