How and Where to Place your New Neighbours House

In a suburban setting, only a limited number of bird species will make use of a manmade birdhouse. The most common species include:

• Black-capped Chickadee
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Northern House Wren
• House Sparrow

Black-capped Chickadee

Nesting Time Period

• Main period mid-April thru June
• Less frequent - early April and mid-June thru July
• Typically, one brood

Location of Nest Box

• Near mature trees, along a tree lined edge.
• In yards with shrubs, native trees, or hedgerows.
• Quiet areas away from heavy foot traffic.
• Away from bird feeders/bird baths.
• Avoid
• Wide‑open lawns with no tree cover
• Direct exposure to constant wind or afternoon sun.

Placement of Nest Box

• Height from ground - 1.5 to 4.5m (5 to 15ft)
• Spacing between nest boxes - 198m (650ft)
• Entrance hole - face away from prevailing winds
• Mounted solid on a post or tree

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Nesting Time Period

• Main period mid-May thru July
• Less frequent - end of April and early August
• Typically, one brood

Location of Nest Box

• Areas with spruce, fir, pine, hemlock, or mixed conifers
• Wooded or forested sections of the yard.
• Quiet, shaded spots that feel “deep woods,” not open lawn.
• Away from bird feeders/bird baths.
• Avoid
• Yards without conifer trees are less likely to succeed.
• Highly urban areas.

Placement of Nest Box

• Height from ground - 1.5 to 4.5m (5 to 15ft)
• Spacing between nest boxes - 46m (150ft)
• Entrance hole - face away from prevailing winds
• Mounted solid on a post or tree

Northern House Wren

Nesting Time Period

• Main period mid-May start of August
• Less frequent - start of May and early September
• Typically, one to two broods

Location of Nest Box

• Near shrubs, brush piles, hedges, or vine‑covered fences.
• Along a tree lined edge.
• Within a landscaped area with mixed vegetation (trees + shrubs + open space).
• Away from bird feeders/bird baths.
• Avoid
• Wide open spaces.

Placement of Nest Box

• Height from ground - 1.5 to 3m (5 to 10ft)
• Spacing between nest boxes - 31m (100ft)
• Entrance hole - any direction
• Mounted solid on a post or tree
• Hanging from a tree branch or hook 

House Sparrows

• A non-native species that is very adaptable and aggressive when nesting
• They will nest in many locations and habitats.
• There is no ideal nest box location but a 1 1/8" entrance hole will exclude them from using the nest box
• A hanging nest box will typically discourage House Sparrows from using the nest box