Projects - Bird Houses

The houses we have designed, although used by many competing cavity nesting species, are designed specific to Eastern Bluebird and Swallow needs. As proper materials were not always readily available it was redesigned so it could be cut from single standard cedar boards, commonly used as privacy fencing, in stock at most lumber supply stores.

The economy of the more expensive cedar is rationalized threefold. It retains a fresh clean odor, which theoretically wards off possibly harmful insects, (think cedar closet and cedar chest). Secondly, it no doubt lasts a long, long time. One need only look at the common rail, which over time, replaced the long used stone and stump fencing. Most of these rails were cut and split, but the muscle of farming forefathers, about 150 years ago. Thirdly, it need not be painted, a fact the birds prefer, when well aged its soft grey features blend well with nature.

Cedar too, because of its non-dark colour and course, non-porous grain, fails satisfactorily as a conductor of heat or cold. This is a factor important during inclement weather, as most nesting sites, because of ever expanding farming practices, must now be placed out in the wind swept sun drenched, shadeless open.

Bluebirds

Bluebirds usually pick feeding territories in open pasture areas, low crop fields, or along the edges of thinly wooded brush land. Their large quantities of food are reaped from the low down ground area. It is for this reason that the bluebirds prefer their houses to be close at hand, not less than three, nor more than eight feet (1.2-1.8m) from the ground. The average rural fence post has proven to be quite OK. Because of the not unusual, sometimes strong, prevailing winds, it is best, where possible, to place the house facing south.

Bluebirds, though non-aggressive, are territorial, respecting each other's close hand food source. So, if more than one house is to be mounted in a given area, place them 300-400 feet, (100-125m) apart.

Swallows

As tree swallows are aerial feeders, feeding on the wing, and bluebirds ground feeders, infringing only slightly on each others food source, it is not unusual to find them nesting compatibly in the same general area. To avoid disputes over scarce nesting sites it is recommended erecting two houses close at hand, 10-20ft (3-6m) apart. The bluebird 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8m) from the ground, and the tree swallow 6-10 feet (1.3-3m).  The more aggressive, fast flying tree swallow will drive all other competing insect eaters from the territory.

The size of the hold is also important, 1 1/2 inches (3.8cm) is the correct size. If the hole is too small, the birds cannot enter, and if the hole is too large, it encourages predation and occupancy of larger feral birds such as the European Starling.

You can use the links below to download plans for a Blue Bird house, and a Swallow house.

Click here to download the Blue Bird House Plans

Click here to download the Swallow House Plans

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