Chickadees are small songbirds that are a common sight at backyard bird feeders across much of North America. With their familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, these busy birds bring life and color to gardens and yards year-round.
Chickadees are cavity nesters, meaning they nest and raise young in enclosed spaces like old woodpecker holes or nest boxes provided by humans. As backyard birding has grown in popularity, more and more people put up birdhouses in hopes of attracting breeding pairs of chickadees. This leads many chickadee-house landlords to wonder—do chickadees need a perch installed on their nest box?
Do Chickadees Use Perches on Birdhouses?
The simple answer is no, chickadees do not need a perch installed on their nest box. In fact, most bird experts advise against putting perches on chickadee houses or small songbird nest boxes.
Chickadees are physically adapted to clinging to and moving around on vertical surfaces. Their feet have a special opposable hind toe that allows them to tightly grip branches, tree trunks, and the sides of nest boxes. Chickadees land on the box itself and climb down into the entrance hole—using a perch is not necessary.
Additionally, perches may actually attract predators. Birds of prey like sharp-shinned hawks may utilize a perch as a hunting spot, allowing them to surprise birds as they enter or leave the box. Squirrels and raccoons may also use the perch to access the box and prey on eggs, young nestlings, or adult chickadees inside.
When Are Perches Helpful on Birdhouses?
While chickadees and other small songbirds do not need perches, larger bird species may benefit from their installation. Birds like eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, and some woodpeckers appreciate the helping hand offered by a perch below the entrance hole.
These species do not have the specialized clinging feet of chickadees and often prefer open, cup-shaped cavities over enclosed nest boxes. Flying up to and balancing on small, round entrance holes can be difficult for these birds. An appropriately sized perch below the hole allows easier access.
If you want to attract both chickadees and larger bird species, consider placing some nest boxes with perches and some without. Monitoring the boxes will let you know which birds prefer which type of box on your property. Alternatively, you can cap or plug the perch when chickadees are nesting to prevent predator access.
Tips for Installing Birdhouse Perches
For nest boxes where a perch is desired, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a natural wood perch rather than metal or plastic, which can heat up in the sun and potentially burn birds’ feet.
- The perch should be centered directly below the entrance hole and extend 3 to 6 inches out from the box.
- Smooth, narrow perches about 1⁄2 to 1 inch in diameter work best to prevent predators from gaining purchase.
- Avoid using very large, wide, or rough-textured perches that could assist squirrels and raccoons.
Position the perch far enough below the hole to make it difficult for predators to reach in and grab birds or eggs. Distance will depend on hole size and shape.
Meeting Chickadees’ Other Birdhouse Needs
In addition to perch considerations, be sure any nest boxes for chickadees follow these guidelines:
- Hole diameter: 1 1⁄8 inches for chickadees.
- Box depth: At least 6 to 8 inches.
- Box height: 8 to 12 inches is optimal.
- Box floor dimensions: 4 x 4 inches up to 5 x 5 inches.
- Wood thickness: Construct with 3⁄4 inch lumber or thicker.
- Ventilation: Drill ventilation holes near the roof.
- No restrictive perch, ridges, or wires around hole.
- Roughened interior surface for chickadees to grip.
- Sawdust or wood chips in the bottom for nesting material.
Chickadees prefer nest boxes located at least 5 feet off the ground with a clear flight path to the entrance. Placing boxes on tree trunks, posts, or poles within wooded areas helps attract breeding pairs while discouraging predators.
Monitoring Nest Box Use
To figure out which style of nest box works best for the chickadees in your area, put up a couple different types at appropriate locations in late winter. Monitor the boxes weekly once spring arrives, being careful not to disturb any active nests.
Look for signs like nest materials carried in, excavated interior holes, or territorial behavior around the box. Make notes on which boxes get used and any preferences the chickadees display. This will allow you to refine and improve your birdhouses in the future. With ideal nesting sites provided, you’ll be rewarded by getting to watch chickadees raise their families in your backyard season after season.
Conclusion
Chickadees do not require a perch to be installed below the entrance hole of their nest boxes. These acrobatic songbirds can easily cling to and climb the walls of birdhouses. Perches may actually allow predators better access, putting chickadee eggs and young at risk.
Larger bird species like bluebirds benefit from a perch below the hole when using nest boxes. Tailor box designs to the preferred species in your area. And be sure to follow chickadee-specific nest box recommendations for size, dimensions, materials, and placement to create the perfect cavity nesting site for these charming backyard birds. Monitoring boxes for activity will reveal which styles your local chickadees prefer.