These plans are flexible.

Depending on climate and sun exposure, the top of the front panel (or side panels) can be cut at 90º and 1/2″ or 3/4″ shorter to create a gap under the roof, which provides extra ventilation.

Create you own design using the 4 species dimensions.

Make bird houses with cedar, pine, or almost any soft wood.

Use rough-cut wood stock so that birds can grip wood surfaces.

Always use corrosion resistant screws and hardware.

A hinged roof or side door provides easy access to the interior.

Build nest boxes according to species dimensions provided by USGS and USFWS: 1. floor, 2. inside front floor to ceiling, 3. inside floor to top of hole, 4. hole diameter.

Nest boxes made according to those four species-specific dimensions and placed in the right location will attract the intended bird species and possibly additional bird species.

The familiar “nest box” design on these pages follow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended species-specific dimensions that simulate tree cavities in which individual species commonly occupy.

Print plans and dimensions or just view them on a phone in your work space.