70birds
That Nest in Birdhouses70birds
That Nest in BirdhousesSee each species page for habits, geographic ranges and optimum locations and placement.
Some bird species are more easily attracted to bird houses than other bird species.
More than 70 North American bird species live in nest boxes or on platforms.
See which birds live near you. Learn about those birds and how to make birdhouses for them.
Even cities have large bird populations that live in birdhouses.
See City Birds
For increased ventilation in warmer climates, floor and side panel corner gaps can be larger than plans specify.
Some woodworkers may prefer to drill strategically located holes for ventilation and leave floor panels whole.
Hinges are suggested for easy access. Other methods for attaching roofs are just as good. However, most nest boxes are mounted out of reach for most people.
Birdhouse mounting, monitoring and maintenance on ladders are awkward chores that require “three hands”. Convenience increases safety when working at heights.
You shouldn’t have to pay for any wood if you keep your eyes peeled. Watch for wood scrap piles at fence and home construction sites. These are good sources for the small sizes usually needed for bird houses.
Clean and disinfect nest boxes with a 5% bleach and 95% water mix after the brooding season to prevent spread of disease and parasites. Use rubber gloves, eye protection, spray bottles, and sponges to completely saturate nest box interiors.
Raptors that Nest in Boxes & Platforms
Nine owl species, two falcons, a hawk and ospreys nest in boxes or platforms. See their geographic ranges, their habitats, nesting habits, birdhouse plans and where to install them.
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Eastern Screech Owl
Western Screech Owl
Boreal Owl
Saw-whet Owls
Forages for beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, corn, acorns, berries and other wild fruit. Builds nests in cavities it excavates in trees, telephone poles, or fence posts and also nests in birdhouses. See the saw-whet owl nest box page and view or print nest box plans.
Barn Owl
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Red-tailed Hawk
Osprey
Raptors that Nest in Boxes & Platforms
Nine owl species, two falcons, a hawk and ospreys nest in boxes or platforms. See their geographic ranges, their habitats, birdhouse plans and where to install them.
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Eastern Screech Owl
Western Screech Owl
Boreal Owl
Saw-whet Owls
Forages for beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, corn, acorns, berries and other wild fruit. Builds nests in cavities it excavates in trees, telephone poles, or fence posts and also nests in birdhouses. See the saw-whet owl nest box page and view or print nest box plans.
Barn Owl
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Red-tailed Hawk
Osprey
Nest Boxes & Platforms
Building and installing nest boxes or large tall platforms involve dangerous heights and potential for serious injuries. Only professional trades workers should attempt these projects.
Great Horned Owl Platform, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey
Raptors that Nest
in Boxes & Platforms
Birds | Birdhouses | Plans | Home
Nine owl species, two falcons, a hawk and ospreys nest in boxes or platforms.
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Eastern Screech Owl
Western Screech Owl
Pygmy Owl
Boreal Owl
Hawk Owl
Saw-whet Owls
Barn Owl
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Red-tailed Hawk
Osprey
Nest Boxes & Platforms
Building and installing nest boxes or large tall platforms involve dangerous heights and potential for serious injuries. Only professional trades workers should attempt these projects.
Birds | Birdhouses | Plans | Home