Wild Bird Nest Boxes – A Quick Guide

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) mission is to bring attention to the importance of providing wild bird nest boxes. To celebrate we’ve put together this quick guide to advise you if you’d like to help, but have no idea where to start.

Types of Different Wild Bird Nest Boxes

With Holes

A classic design with a small hole that only allows smaller birds to fit in to help protect from predators. Different sized holes allow in varying species of wild bird:

• 25mm Holes – Blue Tits, Coal Tits & Marsh Tits
• 28mm Holes – Great Tits, Tree Sparrows, Nuthatches & Pied Flycatchers
• 32mm Holes – House Sparrows & Nuthatches.

Open-Front

These nest boxes are used for wild birds who prefer to nest lower down (below 2m) and concealed behind the vegetation, such as Robins, Pied Wagtails & Spotted Flycatchers.

Camera Nest Boxes

More expensive than standard nest boxes, but with a very rewarding feature. These boxes contain a camera that usually records or streams video for you so that you can see exactly what’s going on in there without disturbing the birds.

Where to Put Your Wild Bird Nest Boxes

• Face it between North and East to avoid strong sunlight and strong winds.
• Don’t put multiple wild bird nest boxes close to each other, as this may cause aggressive behavior between neighbors.
• Avoid placing wild bird nest boxes near bird feeders or bird tables as the activity and noise of other birds will disturb those in the nest box.
• There must be a clear flight path to the nest box.
• Position it so it leans slightly forward to prevent rain from entering the nest box.

Attaching Your Nest Boxes

Trees – Avoid using nails as this may damage the tree, instead fix the nest box by tightly wrapping wire around the tree’s trunk. You can even use a piece of hose around the wire to prevent damage to the tree. Remember to check the fitting every year as trees can grow in girth. Walls – Use galvanized or stainless steel screws or nails that will not rust.

Birds Currently in Danger that Could Benefit from Wild Bird Nest Boxes

House Sparrows

House Sparrows are currently on alert as their population had been estimated to have dwindled 71 percent between 1977 and 2008. In order to help this bird, it is best to choose a small nest box with a 32mm hole, putting it at least 2m above ground.

Starlings

Also on high alert are the beautiful Starlings, as their population has declined rapidly. To help this bird it is best to select a medium nest box with a 45mm hole, putting it 2.5m from the ground.

You can also check out what nest boxes we offer in our online shop.