Building a Bluebird Birdhouse: A Comprehensive Guide

Constructing a birdhouse specifically designed for bluebirds is a fulfilling project that directly contributes to the conservation of these beautiful birds. This guide provides detailed instructions, combining best practices and expert recommendations to ensure your birdhouse is safe, functional, and attractive to bluebirds.

Materials Needed

Selecting the right materials is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of your bluebird house. Here's what you'll need:

• Wood: Use untreated, solid wood that is at least 3/4 inch thick. Recommended options include:
  • Red cedar: Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and decay.
  • White cedar: Similar to red cedar in durability and resistance.
  • Cypress: Another excellent choice for its resistance to moisture and decay.
  • White pine: A more affordable option, but may require more frequent maintenance.

  Avoid using pressure-treated wood, plywood, particleboard, milk cartons, cardboard, metal, or ceramic. These materials can be harmful or unsuitable for bluebirds.

• Fasteners:
  • 1 ¾ inch galvanized nails or 1 5/8 inch deck screws: For assembling the main structure.
  • 1 ¾ inch galvanized nails or screws: For pivot points, if you choose to make a side panel hinged for easy cleaning.
• Tools:
  • Saw (circular saw, bandsaw, or hand saw): For cutting the wood pieces.
  • Drill: With various sized bits for creating the entrance hole, ventilation, and drainage.
  • Screwdriver: For assembling the birdhouse with screws.
  • Measuring tape or ruler: For accurate measurements.
  • Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges and the entrance hole.
• Mounting Post:
  • Metal, wood, or PVC post: For mounting the birdhouse.

Dimensions and Design

Precise dimensions are critical for attracting bluebirds and deterring other species. Here are the recommended measurements:

• Floor Size:
  • Eastern Bluebirds: 4 x 5 ½ inches (22 square inches)
  • Western and Mountain Bluebirds: 5 ½ x 5 ½ inches (30.25 square inches)

  A floor size of approximately 25 square inches is a good general size to accommodate most bluebird species.

• Front Panel:
  • Size: 5 ½ x 10 inches
  • Entrance Hole: 1 9/16 inch in diameter, positioned 5 ½ inches from the bottom of the front board. For Eastern Bluebirds only, a 1 ½ inch hole can be used.

  The specific entrance hole size is crucial for preventing larger birds from entering and competing for the nest.

• Back Panel:
  • Size: 5 ½ x 12 inches
• Side Panels:
  • Two pieces: Front length - 10 inches, Back length - 12 inches, Width - 5 ½ inches
• Roof:
  • Size: Length - 12 inches, Width - 10 inches. The roof should overlap the walls to provide shelter from the rain and should be at least 10 inches long and wider than the box.

  A sloped roof with an overhang is essential for protecting the nest from rain and sun.

• Interior Depth:
  • 8 to 12 inches from the bottom of the house to the top.
• Overall Height:
  • Approximately 12 to 15 inches.

Construction Steps

Follow these steps to assemble your bluebird house:

1. Prepare the Materials:
   • Select straight, flat, and untreated wood boards. Check for rot by poking the wood with a key or fingernail.
2. Cut the Pieces:
   • Cut the wood according to the specified dimensions:
   • One board 1" x 6" x 4' long for the floor, sides, front, and back pieces.
   • One board 1" x 10" x 12" for the roof.
3. Assemble the Birdhouse:
   • Attach the Bottom: Connect the bottom to the front, back, and one side. Recess the bottom board ¾ inch.
   • Attach the Second Side: Use two galvanized nails to attach the second side to the front and back boards. These nails can act as pivots for easy cleaning and maintenance.
   • Add a Latch: Drill a hole in the front or back board and the sideboard, and insert a nail to prevent the pivot until box maintenance is performed.
4. Add Ventilation and Drainage:
   • Ventilation: Drill ½ inch vent holes at an upward angle to ensure moisture escapes. In colder climates, you may omit vent holes to keep the box warmer.
   • Drainage: Cut a small amount off the corners of the floor to allow for drainage.
5. Smooth the Entrance Hole:
   • Cut the entrance hole and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Add saw cuts (kerfs) into the backside of the front board to create a ladder for the babies to fledge.
6. Attach the Roof:
   • The roof should fit snugly over the back of the birdhouse and overhang about 3 inches to protect the nest and hatchlings from rain.

Mounting the Birdhouse

Proper placement is essential for attracting bluebirds and ensuring their safety:

• Post Installation: Mount the birdhouse on a pole or post, ensuring it is in an open area and not on a tree trunk. The entrance hole should be at least 5 feet above the ground.
• Orientation: Face the entrance east to shield from harsh weather and afternoon heat.
• Spacing: Place each nest box at least 300 feet apart to avoid competition among bluebirds.

Additional Tips

• Regular Monitoring: Ensure the birdhouse is installed and monitored regularly to prevent House Sparrows from nesting and raising young.
• Predator Guard: Consider adding a predator guard to protect the bluebirds from predators.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean the birdhouse by removing old nests between broods and check for any needed repairs. Make the front or side panel removable for easy cleaning and monitoring after the nesting season.

Detailed Cut List

Here is a summary of the wood pieces you will need to cut:

• Floor: 4 x 5 ½ inches (Eastern Bluebirds) or 5 ½ x 5 ½ inches (Western and Mountain Bluebirds)
• Front Panel: 5 ½ x 10 inches
• Back Panel: 5 ½ x 12 inches
• Side Panels (2): 5 ½ inches wide, one side 10 inches long, the other 12 inches long
• Roof: 12 inches long, 10 inches wide

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

1. Cut the Wood: Using your saw, cut the wood pieces according to the dimensions listed above. Ensure all cuts are straight and accurate.
2. Prepare the Front Panel: Drill a 1 9/16 inch entrance hole (or 1 ½ inch for Eastern Bluebirds) centered 5 ½ inches from the bottom of the front panel. Smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper.
3. Assemble the Base: Attach the floor panel to the bottom edges of the front, back, and one side panel using nails or screws. Recess the floor panel ¾ inch.
4. Attach the Second Side Panel: Attach the second side panel to the front and back panels using nails or screws. If you are creating a hinged side, use nails as pivot points.
5. Add a Latch: If using a hinged side, drill a hole through the front or back panel and the side panel, and insert a nail to act as a latch.
6. Ventilation and Drainage: Drill ½ inch ventilation holes near the top of the side panels, angled upwards. Cut small amounts off the corners of the floor for drainage.
7. Attach the Roof: Secure the roof panel to the top of the birdhouse, ensuring it overhangs by about 3 inches to protect from rain.
8. Mounting: Mount the birdhouse on a post in an open area, at least 5 feet above the ground, facing east.

By following these detailed guidelines, you can create a safe and inviting home for bluebirds, encouraging their presence in your backyard and supporting their conservation.

Birds Fanatic Avian Bliss Crafty Cedar National Audubon Society MyCarpentry.com