According to the National Audubon Society, there are over 800 species of birds that currently reside in the United States. Based on your geographic location, that could mean dozens of different birds visit your backyard on any given day.
Have you ever wondered if you can utilize birdhouses to attract more winged companions to your outdoor space? In this guide, we’ll dive into birdhouse design, along with garden decor tips to create a bird-friendly garden.
Read on to learn all about how you can find and decorate the perfect garden birdhouse.
Consider the Types of Birds in Your Area
Many birdhouse factors are relevant to the species of birds where you live, including:
- Size
- Shape
- Structure
- Material
- Distance from humans
You’ll also need to consider seasonal birds. Some species will visit exclusively in the winter months, while others may inhabit your backyard year-round.
Here are some of the most common types of birds you may encounter, no matter where you live, along with birdhouse design tips that cater to their preferences.
Woodpeckers
While woodpeckers tend to prefer natural tree cavities to nest, you can still attract them with manmade nest boxes. Woodpecker houses tend to be on the larger size, with six inches by six inches or above being the ideal measurements.
Since woodpeckers like nesting in trees, you can go fully organic with their birdhouse and hollow out a tree cavity. Scavenge in your area for thick, fallen branches to use. You can still customize the birdhouse to your liking, but the natural material may attract more woodpeckers to make themselves at home.
Wrens
Wren birdhouses are some of the simplest; your biggest concern with these structures is the size of the hole. A little over one inch in diameter is the ideal size to attract wrens, but deter other types of birds.
Place wren birdhouses far away from other types of houses, as wrens tend to be territorial animals. They also love to dominate other nests in their area, which could be troublesome if you host multiple species in your backyard.
Robins
You may see more robins in the spring, when they lay their eggs and nurture their young. When you spot robins, you’ll see them, more often than not, on a ledge or in a rafter.
Robins don’t necessarily have the same birdhouse requirements as other species of birds. However, it’s still important to ensure they are comfortable in their environment and can raise their babies in peace.
A nesting shelf is an ideal solution for robins, and it is easy to construct, as well as cost-effective. Once you’ve created your nesting shelf, you can place it anywhere. Their open concept design makes it easy to view the birds that move into the space.
Purple Martins
Purple martins have unique birdhouse requirements because they are social animals. Any type of residence for these birds needs to be larger than an average birdhouse, ideally with multiple rooms or levels.
If you don’t have the skill or resources to construct a custom apartment for purple martins, consider placing multiple birdhouses next to each other. The clustered homes will create a more neighborhood-like feel, without the extra work on your part.
Choose a Suitable Material
Once you decide on the location and design of your birdhouse, you need to choose the material. Ultimately, the type of material you work with is dependent on the bird species, but there are several options to consider.
Wood
Wood is by far the most classic material for birdhouses. It has a natural look and feel, and it’s solid and reliable. Additionally, it mimics the birds’ environment more closely than other types of materials.
However, wood can have some drawbacks. It may be susceptible to rot if it is exposed to humidity or consistent wet weather.
Plastic
Although plastic isn’t as natural as other options, such as wood, it is versatile and durable. Many store-bought birdhouse options are made of plastic and come in a variety of different colors and designs.
If you want to leave your birdhouses out when temperatures dip, plastic may not be the best option. It may crack in colder seasons.
Recycled Materials
For an eco-friendly design, consider using recycled materials for your birdhouses. Repurposing old materials is good for the environment. These decorations can contribute to a cohesive backyard theme with other items, such as solar decorations.
Gourds
Gourd birdhouses may be an odd shape, but they can attract many different species of birds. Building a gourd birdhouse is a fun project suitable for all ages.
The size of the gourd you choose depends on the type of bird you want to attract. Overall, ensure that you choose a gourd that is clean and dry, with an appropriately-sized hole.
Outdoor Birdhouse Design Tips
The bird species and material are not the only factors influencing your birdhouse theme. Here are some other elements to consider when designing and crafting your perfect outdoor birdhouse.
Use Nontoxic Materials
Materials with chemicals, such as treated wood, aren’t ideal for birdhouses. If you use a sealant to help hold your birdhouse together, make sure that it is a nontoxic variety.
Decorate Your Birdhouse
Enhance the appearance of your birdhouse with bright colors so it will stand out, or stick to neutral tones so that it blends in with nature and is more appealing to wildlife.
Place Birdhouses in Strategic Locations
Although it may be tempting to put a birdhouse close to where you can easily view it, this action may do more harm than good. Some bird species require more isolation, meaning they will not come to the birdhouse if it’s too close to humans.
The Best Birdhouse Design for Your Garden
Are you ready to begin your journey into the world of birdhouse design? With this guide, you can create the backyard oasis of your dreams and attract feathered friends to enjoy it alongside you.
If you’re searching for other ways to upgrade your outdoor space, Lesera is here to help. We’ve been in business for three decades, helping customers like you since 1995. We offer a wide variety of garden products for every style and budget.
Do you want to learn more about our products? We currently offer free shipping for orders in the continental U.S. that are over $100. Order your birdhouse supplies today!
