When deciding where to put a birdhouse in your yard, there are several important factors to consider to attract birds and create an optimal environment for them. In the opening paragraphs below, we will go over some quick tips and guidelines to keep in mind when choosing a birdhouse placement. Further details on ideal placement will then be covered in the sections that follow.
Quick Tips for Birdhouse Placement
Here are some quick tips to consider when deciding where to install a birdhouse in your yard:
- Place the birdhouse 5-15 feet off the ground – this helps deter predators.
- Face the birdhouse opening away from prevailing winds and rain.
- Put the birdhouse in a quiet spot away from windows and high traffic areas.
- Avoid areas where squirrels and larger birds may bother the birdhouse.
- Place multiple houses 10-15 feet apart to reduce competition.
- Mount the house on a tree, post, or under the eaves of buildings.
Protection from Predators
One of the most important considerations for birdhouse placement is protecting birds from predators. Cats, racoons, snakes, and other predators can threaten adult birds as well as raid nests for eggs and hatchlings. To limit access:
- Mount houses 5-15 feet high on posts, trees, walls, or under eaves.
- Face the entrance away from easy climbing surfaces.
- Use a predator guard or baffle below the house.
- Avoid placing near low branches or bushy vegetation.
- Select a house with a small entrance appropriate for your target species.
While you may lose some lower visibility by placing the house higher up, the safety of the birds should take priority over being able to closely observe activity at the birdhouse.
Protection from Weather Elements
Birdhouses should also be placed in areas that provide some protection from common weather elements like wind, rain, snow, and direct sun. Recommendations include:
- Face the house opening away from the prevailing wind and rain direction.
- Install under rain overhangs on buildings or trees.
- Place on the east side of trees or buildings to avoid hot afternoon sun.
- Put houses under tree canopies to shield from rain and snow.
- Ensure drainage holes in the base of the house do not become clogged.
- Use a birdhouse design with adequate ventilation.
Shielding birdhouses from the elements helps keep the interior dry and regulated at temperatures needed for bird eggs to hatch and nestlings to thrive. Pay attention to your yard’s particular microclimate patterns when positioning the house.
Proximity to Feeders & Shelter
Locating your birdhouse conveniently near food and water sources as well as areas of natural shelter and foliage can help attract birds. Here are some tips on positioning with these amenities in mind:
- Place houses within 30 feet of bird feeders they can use as supplemental food.
- Mount houses on or near trees and shrubs that offer natural cover.
- Consider proximity to safe water sources like bird baths.
- Ensure ample landing and perching spots very near the entrance.
Easy access to feeders, shelter, and water from the birdhouse supports parents feeding their young and fledglings learning to fly. Native plants that yield berries, seeds, and insects are also excellent natural foraging spots.
Suitable Locations Around Your Home
When evaluating placement spots, look for suitable locations around your home and yard that meet the criteria above. Some good options typically include:
- Along woodland edges, yards, and gardens.
- In or at the edge of mature trees – oak, maple, pine, etc.
- Mounted on posts in open lawn areas.
- On the side of garage, shed, or other outbuildings.
- Under roof overhangs and eaves of porches or barns.
Northern sides tend to be preferable to hot southern exposures. East or southeast facing locations are excellent for getting morning sunlight. Avoid areas with loud noises from machinery, vehicles, or other disturbing activity.
Distance from Your Home
How far you place the birdhouse from your home depends on your preferences:
- 10-30 feet – Gives you a very close up view from windows.
- 30-50 feet – Allows you to easily see activity from your yard.
- 50-100 feet – Birds have some separation but you can still observe with binoculars.
- 100+ feet – Offers more privacy and isolation for the birds.
It’s fine to position houses closer to your home as long as they meet the other criteria for protection, weatherproofing, and resource access. Leaving them some distance away offers birds more seclusion.
Distance from Bird Feeders
Proximity of birdhouses to feeders depends on your goals:
- 0-5 feet – May attract birds, but increases competition with other feeder birds.
- 10-30 feet – Allows easy travel from house to feeders.
- 30-50 feet – Provides sufficient separation, but still convenient access.
- 50+ feet – Discourages feeder use by nesting birds.
Very close feeder proximity can create issues with overcrowding or feeder access for nesting pairs. But moderate distances give good supplemental feeding without as much competition from other birds using the feeders. Keep feeders far enough that nesting birds don’t become dependent on them.
Positioning Multiple Birdhouses
When installing more than one birdhouse, proper spacing is important to minimize competition between birds:
- Bluebird houses – Space 15-30 feet apart.
- Chickadee houses – Space 10-20 feet apart.
- Woodpecker houses – Space 30-75 feet apart.
- Wren houses – Space 8-10 feet apart.
- Sparrow houses – Space 15-30 feet apart.
These distances vary by species depending on how territorial they tend to be over nesting sites and food resources. The more aggressive or solitary birds need greater separation between houses. Follow the recommended guidelines for your target bird species.
Mounting Position on Tree or Post
The ideal mounting position on a tree or post depends on the location:
- Tree trunk – Face entrance away from trunk.
- Tree branches – Place below an upward slanting limb.
- Fence posts – Face entrance parallel to fence line.
- Standing pole – Angle slightly downwards towards a perch.
- Under eaves – Face entrance out towards open space.
Point the entrance towards an open area with a clear approach path. Facing it towards bushes, branches or other obstructions can discourage birds. Make sure to attach the house securely to withstand winds and activity.
Height Recommendations by Bird Species
Here are suggested mounting heights specifically for attracting certain bird species:
Bird Species | Recommended Height |
---|---|
Eastern & Mountain Bluebirds | 5-10 feet |
Chickadees & Nuthatches | 8-15 feet |
Phoebe | 8-12 feet |
Swallows | 12-20 feet |
Titmouse | 8-12 feet |
Woodpeckers | 10-20 feet |
Wrens | 5-10 feet |
Tailor the height towards the middle of your target species’ preferred range. This helps make the house accessible for that bird while deterring predators.
Fine-Tuning the Placement
Here are some final tips for fine-tuning your birdhouse placement after installing:
- Observe activity and watch for patterns after initial placement.
- Adjust location if needed to improve temps, safety, or access to resources.
- Redirect entrance if prevailing winds or rain lash into the hole.
- Add baffles or guards if predators continue to be a problem.
- Supplement with more feeders or bird baths around the house as warranted.
- Relocate if competition from other birds is too high.
Be willing to make adjustments, especially after first observing the conditions and activity around your initial placement. Each installation may require some on-site adaptations to become an optimal home.
Avoiding Poor Placement Areas
When deciding where to locate a birdhouse, there are some poor placement areas you’ll want to avoid:
- Close to busy roads or highways.
- Areas frequented by domestic cats.
- Beside chimneys or dryer vents.
- Under low tree branches or dense shrubbery.
- Facing southwestern sun and heat.
- Exposed sites with no shelter or landscaping.
These types of locations should all be ruled out. They not only fail to meet ideal conditions, but may create risky or hazardous situations that endanger birds attempting to nest there.
Meeting State and Local Regulations
Before mounting any birdhouses, be sure to check your state and local regulations. Some key factors to be aware of include:
- Height limits for poles or posts.
- Restrictions on attachment to trees or utility poles.
- Setback requirements from lot lines or buildings.
- Whether permits are required for installations.
- Limitations on number of birdhouses allowed.
Many residential areas have no laws governing birdhouses. But do verify any requirements for your specific city or part of the state. It’s important your installation follows applicable rules and obtained any necessary approvals.
Consulting Local Resources
There are great local resources you can consult when deciding where to place birdhouses in your yard:
- Nature centers, parks departments, or conservation groups often provide guidance.
- Nature shops, nurseries, and birding stores can advise on good options.
- Local birding societies have expertise for your specific region and climate.
- Wildlife rehabilitator groups know techniques to protect local species.
- University cooperative extensions have researched ideal placements.
Tapping into local knowledge helps you pick the best birdhouse positioning for your property. Neighbors who successfully attract birds can also provide pointers.
Conclusion
To determine where your birdhouse should go, assess your yard for locations that offer protection from predators and weather while providing shelter, food, and water resources birds need to thrive. Install houses in suitable spots around your home 5-15 feet up, facing the entrance away from prevailing winds and potential dangers. Follow height guidelines for the target species, allow adequate spacing between houses, and customize placement based on observing activity patterns. Avoid poor locations like busy areas or exposed sites. Check any regulations and consult local experts. With some care in placement using these tips, your birdhouses are sure to attract happy feathered tenants.