Here are some things to keep in mind when considering the purchase of one, or expanding your collection of bird-friendly products. The boxes are mostly perched on posts. Habitat loss has driven some species away from former nesting areas. Well, then give this birdhouse a try. Placing the house near a brush, leaf or compost pile will encourage the birds to nest there. The Stone Lakes National Wildlife Reserve near Elk Grove, Calif., has scores of well-used birdhouses to attract a range of species, from tree swallows to barn owls. Now, equipped with an appropriately sized bird house and an understanding of what the birds are looking for, you can set out to decide upon the best tree. One of the biggest bird house mistakes people make is not keeping their houses safe from cats and other predators. Avoid placing birdhouses in close proximity to bird feeders and birdbaths. Mount the wren house on a pole 6 to 10 ft. off the ground. A large bird house to keep birds in - like a big bird cage- is called 'une volière'. About 30 bird species in each region of the country are so-called cavity nesters, which means that most of them will also use a birdhouse. 9 Unique Birdhouses Birds Can Actually Use Decorative and unique birdhouses are fun, but not always practical for birds. Keep it Low. If you’d like to attract a larger bird, or even if you feel like the smaller birdhouses wouldn’t do your neighborhood birds justice. Not all backyard birds use houses, including many popular species like cardinals, orioles and goldfinches. It's what they look for in nature. Except for Purple Martins, a bird house should be for a single nest. This birdhouse is referred to as the ‘Tall Texan’ because of its height in comparison to most birdhouses. Birds tend to use birdhouses in places they feel comfortable. These choices provide safe nesting spots for your feathered friends. The information below will help you select the best type for the bird or birds you want nesting in your backyard. Best Bird Houses for Different Types of Birds You may be interested in having a bird house just for decoration, or you may be trying to attract certain types of birds. A larger house won't provide enough insulation to keep baby birds warm, but they can smother in a house that is too small. Think about it: Most natural sources of water that birds use are on or near the ground. However, if you want to attract a specific species, in most cases, you will need to build or buy a specific type of bird house . Therefore, if birds are not using your birdhouse, it might be time to try a new location. Birdhouses for Non-Cavity Nesters Don't forget robins, cardinals and other non-cavity nesters when hanging birdhouses. However, if you want to attract a specific species, in most cases, you will need to build or buy a specific type of bird house . There can be a wide range of problems and difficulties with bird houses, but there are also easy ways to fix each problem to make the houses more attractive to nesting birds. Bird houses are a fantastic way to add shelter to a bird-friendly backyard, but if no birds are nesting in the houses, why not? If you are a beginner bird watcher, you may be wondering whether bird houses or bird feeders are the best choice for your viewing area. This is because smaller songbirds may feel threatened from larger predators. Most wild birds do not nest near others of the same species. Each species tends to prefer houses placed at different heights or in different orientations, so be sure to research this as well. Choosing bird houses whether for Bluebirds, Wrens, or Nesting Shelves for Robins shouldn't be done without thought. Not all birds nest in man-made boxes and not all are built the same. A too-large hole will invite more aggressive birds to take over, while a too-small hole will keep desired birds from using the house. If in your area there are many birds then with these bird feeder ideas you can attract them right in your garden window. Cats can easily jump 2 metres or more, so if you position your bird house closer to the ground than this, or within this distance of a surface a cat can access, then any birds using your bird house won’t be safe. Birdfeeders and Bird Houses are a great way to bring wildlife in your garden. a bird house to shelter wild birds is 'un nichoir'. You may not necessarily have to go out and buy an expensive birdfeeder though. But enough common birds do nest in birdhouses to make it worthwhile to set up a few to see what happens. The right house can bring birds back home. Be sure the house is the right overall size, including interior floor space and height. Robins prefer to nest on open platforms protected by roof overhangs or trees. The standard birdbath on a pedestal may look good, but it's not the best way to offer water to birds. Best Bird Houses for Different Types of Birds You may be interested in having a bird house just for decoration, or you may be trying to attract certain types of birds. Select a tree with a 4- to 12-inch d.b.h.