By Lily Rerecich. Photos provided by Lily Rerecich.

Bird houses (also known as bird boxes or nesting boxes) and roosting boxes are a fulfilling way to help your local birds. Providing these structures enriches their habitat – especially when other usable spaces are scarce. When installed correctly, birds can benefit greatly from their protection. Roosting structures bring sanctuary for birds, and an opportunity for you to enjoy them!

To begin with, roosting boxes and bird houses are similar structures, but serve different purposes. Bird houses provide a space specifically for a bird to nest in and raise young. They come in a variety of slightly different forms to accommodate different types of nests. In fact, many bird houses are designed for a specific species of bird. Bird houses generally consist of a box with a hole for entry, a hinged roof or side for cleaning, and smaller holes for ventilation. They should be constructed out of solid untreated material and not be too conspicuous to predators.

Roosting boxes provide a shelter from harsh conditions, usually in winter, for various birds at once. They are designed to house multiple birds of multiple species and retain heat. As a result, they are often larger, with fewer ventilation holes, and an entry hole at the base to trap more warm air inside. Roosting boxes may also include perches inside. An entry hole 2 inches in diameter allows most small birds in, though 1 ½ inches excludes invasive Starlings.

You can learn more about bird houses from Massachusetts Audubon.

So how exactly do you install one of these to help our feathered friends?

To start, choose what type of structure (bird house or roosting box) and which birds you want to nest or roost. From there, find a specific design suitable to that species. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers helpful resources to make a good birdhouse and plans for roosting boxes. Another great option is Wild Birds Unlimited, which offers a variety of birdhouses. Using these guidelines, search for a design online or at a store. You can buy one assembled or download plans to build one yourself.

There are some needs to bear in mind:

Predators: For your structure to be safe it must be protected from predators by its size and placement. The entry hole should be correctly sized to your bird and to keep out predators. Use predator baffles or nest guards to keep birds safe from nest predators or harmful invasive birds. For specifications on hole size and baffles, see the Nestwatch program infographic.

Construction: Your box should be sturdy, made from untreated wood, with a sloped roof to keep off rain and elements. Use durable materials, including screws instead of nails. The details vary with the design, but you should have the correct amount and placement of texture, ventilation and drainage holes. You want your structure to maintain a livable temperature.

Accessibility and Maintenance: Install your birdhouse or roosting box on a pole, tree, or other safe surface (remember to apply baffles and nest guards as needed). You should be able to access it for regular cleaning. Then, maintain it simply by keeping it clean and clear of any infestations, such as wasps – just don’t disturb it when it’s occupied by birds!

A structure with a nest guard.

Whatever kind of house or box you choose, it is a fulfilling experience to see your contribution to birds and observe the entertaining and exciting birds themselves! Best of luck!