Build a Bluebird House

The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a member of the thrush family (Turdidae). It is larger than a sparrow, but smaller than a blue jay. It ranges from Canada to the Gulf States and East of the Rockies. With an old cedar board and some basic power tools, it's easy to build a house for this beautiful bird, providing it with a place to stay in your yard.

Steps

1. Get a plan. While many are available online, the design used in this article was created by the staff of the Missouri Department of Conservation and it is known to attract bluebirds.
   
   
2. Gather the materials needed for this project. In this project, a piece of old cedar siding which measures 8' (2.4 meters) long by 11 1/2" (29.2cm) wide, and 3/4" (1.9cm) thick will make three bluebird houses. Additionally, 10 exterior grade 2" (5cm) screws are needed. A single bluebird house can be created from one 1"x 6" x 5' (2.5cm x 15cm x 30.5cm) board.
3. Gather the tools required. For this project, you'll need a circular saw, 2 drills, a speed square, a pencil, and a brace-and-bit.
4. Lay out the plan markings and rip the board to the proper dimensions. This board was cut in to a 5 1/2" (14cm) wide piece and a 4" (10cm) wide piece.
   
   The front and back parts are 5 1/2" (14cm) by 9 7/8" (25cm) and 16 1/2" (42cm) respectively.
   
   The side parts are 4" (10cm) wide. The short side measures 9 3/4" (24.7cm) and the long side measures 10 3/4" (27cm).
   
   The base section measures 4" x 4" (10cm x 10cm).
   
   The top part is 6 1/2" inches (16.5cm) long and 6 inches (15cm) wide (so there is a little overhang to block rain). This last measurement is a little different from the plan shown above.
   
   The dimensions for the front and sides will leave a little gap for ventilation under the lid when the box is assembled.
5. If your measurements are good, you should end up with the parts for three birdhouses.
6. Drill a 1 1/2" (3.81cm) hole 2 1/4" (5.71cm) from the top of the front piece. You can use a spade bit, a hole saw, or an adjustable size hole bit. It is easier to do this before assembly.
   
   For best results, drill the hole about three quarters of the way through, flip the board and finish the hole by drilling through the reverse side. Some of you may find this boring.
   
   NOTE: Rough up the interior and the exterior of the front part so the chicks can easily leave the nest and so momma will have an easy time landing on the front of the box. This can be done with a knife, nail, or a chisel.
7. Cut corners from base (for drainage). Base may need additional trimming to get the proper fit in the assembled box.
   
   The base is inserted about 1/4" (6.35mm) above the bottom of the sides. It is recessed to provide a drip edge.
8. Assemble the parts. Pre-drill the holes with a "twist bit" which also drills a countersink for the screw head. Use exterior grade screws. Four in the front, four in the back, and two to secure the base.
9. A small strip is added to secure one end of the top and prevent rain leakage.
10. Drill a hole through the top and into the face. Insert a nail or screw which can be removed for cleaning the box after nesting.
11. Mount the birdhouse box 4-6' (1.2-1.8 meters) off the ground, in an open area, facing a tree (10 to 15' / 3.5 to 4.5 meters away).
12. Wait for nature to take its course.

Video

Template:Video:Build a Bluebird House

Tips

• Bluebirds are particular. The hole size and placement is critical.
• Measure twice, cut once. Double checking the layout may save on materials.
• The finest box in the world will not attract birds if you do not locate it properly. Mount the box 4 to 6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) above the ground in an open area. If it faces towards a tree, the nestlings will have a safe target for that initial flight from the box.
• A sheet of aluminum "flashing" material may be fashioned into a skirt for the pole. This serves to deter snakes or other predators from raiding the nest. See image at top of page.
• Consider an alternative location if birds do not nest in the first season.
• Clean out the old nest after the first brood, and the birds may nest two or three times in a season.
• Get creative! Paint the birdhouse in bright colors or your favorite design. Use stamps or stencils too.

Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when cutting wood.
• Keep children and pets out of the workshop while creating the birdhouse. The only exception is an interested child who has promised to sit back and watch.
• Use more than common sense when handling power tools.

Things You'll Need

• A plan, such as the one used in this article
• For one birdhouse, a 1" x 6" x 5' (2.5cm x 15cm x 30.5cm) board will do
• Circular saw
• Two drills are handy (one to pre-drill the holes and the other to sink the screws; so you don't have to constantly change bits).
• The author used a brace-and-bit to drill the hole. The bit is adjustable and set to drill a 1 1/2" (3.81cm) hole
• 10 exterior grade screws per house

Related Articles

• Keep Your Bluebirds Safe
• Build a Simple Nest Box for Garden Birds
• Build a Bat Box
• Build a Wood Duck House
• Build a Birdhouse
• Make a Cutting Board Bird Feeder
• Make a Mountain Bluebird Birdhouse
• Build a Western Bluebird Nestbox
• Make an Eastern Bluebird Nestbox

Sources and Citations

• A field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies; Roger Tory Peterson – research source
• Missouri Department of Conservation – research source

See also

• Build a Birdhouse
• Build a Wood Duck House
• Make Perches for a Hummingbird Feeder
• Deter House Wrens from Nestboxes

What links here

• Build a Birdhouse
• Build a Bat Box
• Build a Wood Duck House