Bird Houses - It's Not A One Size Fits All

Not all birdhouses are suitable for birds to live or raise their young in. As a matter of fact, most birds are quite picky about the house or nesting box they'll use.

In Backyard Birds and Butterflies, a downloadable ebook written by Laura Childs of www.goodbyecitylife.com, a full explanation of a bird's preferences are outlined by species. 22 species in all. Why so few? Well not all species will use a bird house or nesting box no matter what the sizes are.

How picky are the birds? If the issue is simply a place to hole up until the weather breaks, they usually aren't terribly picky, but if you want a bird to stick around and use the house as it was intended - as a place to raise their young - they are downright fanatical.

Exceptions to Every Rule - Even in Nature

Of course there are exceptions to every rule. The horrid little house sparrow could care less about where they raise their young. And they're happy to chase any other species out of a house and kill their young while they're at it! That's why I call them horrid, they are perfect little beasts that don't even belong in the US or Canada. These birds are European imports that someone brought over as pets and set free to integrate into our environment, messing up our eco-system in the process. The same message applies to the Starling. A pretty bird, but a home-wrecker and an import.

If you think I'm being a maniac about this, check with your local authorities. Most by-laws and restrictions do not protect the starling or house sparrow. Which means you are within your legal rights to dispose of these nasty birds any way you please.

Seems I've gone off on a rant. Pardon me.

Let's get back to the bird house...and the specifics.

Purple Martin Bird House

We'll use the Purple Martin as an example, simply because everyone loves the Purple Martin bird house in their field or garden. Having these birds on property is a desire of every new birder I've run across for one reason or another. (Actually there is a myth and a wives' tale about the Purple Martin that is only partly true. It's disclosed in the book I mentioned earlier.)

Purple Martins are the only birds completely dependent on humans for housing. If you want a pair of these birds on your property you'll need to supply them with a house. Better yet, give them condominium apartment units. These birds prefer to stay together in a band of like-minded Martins which is why their houses are so extreme in size and embellishments.

Sizing Requirements of a Purple Martin Birdhouse

You'll want the house to be 8-18' off the ground and planted in the middle of a meadow or field. These bird houses need at least 30 feet of space in all directions to suit the Purple Martin as they like to sit on their house's perches scouting for food - especially when there are babies to protect inside.

Each compartment within the colony's house should have a floor size of 6 inches by 6 inches and the total compartment height should be no more or less than 6" in height. Pretty specific right?

The entrance hole should be 1-2" from the floor of each compartment and should be exactly 2 1/4" in diameter.

Finally they prefer their houses to be in white.

Purple Martin Bird House Success

Post new bird houses as soon as the frost has left the ground to attract birds for the upcoming nesting season. The male Purple Martin arrives first, then the females and younger birds. When they arrive, they do not nest right away. They feed for several days, building up their strength from their migratory flight, and then search for a nesting site.

Don't buy a Purple Martin house from just anyone. You want to be sure that the house is perfectly sized and every detail has been considered. As a rule Purple Martin bird houses are not cheap and you want to ensure success (as best you can) that the money you spend does, in fact, bring you the bird you desire. Check for guard rail for fledglings and Starling-resistant doors to keep the parents and babies safe!

One of my favorite places to shop for bird supplies is here: A wide selection of Purple Martin info and bird houses!

Build Your Own Purple Martin Bird House

Of course you can build your own Purple Martin bird house and decorate it as you see fit. They love to have railings (you can design them as picket fences), faux television antennas, or even flag poles attached to their bird houses. Anything you add is a plus to this bird as it allows them to easily perch on, and hunt from, their house.

I'd love to hear your views or success stories on Purple Martins or bird houses! Drop me a line using the contact form here. I'll usually reply within the day!

In Stock!
Bird Supply store:

Bird Baths
Solar Bird Baths
Bird Bath Fountains

Bird Feeders
Finch Feeder
Glass Nectar Feeders

Attract Wild Birds - CONTACT - 613.332.5766

www.AttractWildBirds.com