Plans / Birdhouses
Birdhouse plans built for the bird you want
The entrance hole decides who moves in. Each plan here is built to the hole, floor and depth that species needs, from a wren to a wood duck.
16 plans on this rack. Materials run from $42 (House Wren) to $78 (Wood Duck) at typical big-box prices.
Every size, priced
Open a row for its drawings, cut list and build steps. Prices are typical Home Depot and Lowe's shelf prices; yours will differ a little.
| Plan | Entrance hole | Floor | Hole above floor | Mount | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Bluebird | 1-1/2" | 5 x 5 in | 6" | 4 to 6 ft | $54 |
| Western Bluebird | 1-1/2" | 5 x 5 in | 6" | 5 to 6 ft | $54 |
| Mountain Bluebird | 1-5/8" | 5 x 5 in | 6" | 5 to 6 ft | $54 |
| House Wren | 1-1/8" | 4 x 4 in | 5" | 5 to 10 ft | $42 |
| Carolina Wren | 1-1/2" | 4 x 4 in | 5" | 5 to 10 ft in a sheltered spot | $42 |
| Chickadee | 1-1/8" | 4 x 4 in | 7" | 5 to 15 ft near trees | $42 |
| Tufted Titmouse | 1-1/4" | 4 x 4 in | 7" | 5 to 15 ft near woods | $42 |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | 1-1/4" | 4 x 4 in | 7" | 5 to 20 ft | $42 |
| Tree Swallow | 1-1/2" | 5 x 5 in | 5" | 5 to 15 ft | $54 |
| Prothonotary Warbler | 1-1/4" | 5 x 5 in | 5" | 4 to 8 ft over or near water | $54 |
| House Finch | 2" | 6 x 6 in | 4" | 5 to 10 ft under an eave or | $73 |
| Downy Woodpecker | 1-1/4" | 4 x 4 in | 9" | 5 to 20 ft | $42 |
| Northern Flicker | 2-1/2" | 7 x 7 in | 14" | 6 to 20 ft | $73 |
| American Kestrel | 3" | 8 x 8 in | 10" | 10 to 30 ft | $73 |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | 3" | 8 x 8 in | 10" | 10 to 30 ft | $73 |
| Wood Duck | 3 x 4" oval | 10 x 10 in | 17" | 6 to 20 ft | $78 |
Before you hang it
Why does the hole size matter so much?
A hole sized for the bird you want keeps larger birds out. A 1-1/8 in hole admits wrens and chickadees but stops House Sparrows; bluebirds need 1-1/2 in.
Should a birdhouse have a perch?
No. Native cavity nesters do not need one, and a perch helps predators and sparrows.
Which wood?
Rough-sawn cedar, unpainted inside. Leave the outside natural or use a light, water-based color.
How do I clean it?
Every plan has a side that swings open on two nails. Clean out the old nest after the young have fledged.