Various species of birds prefer birdhouses of certain sizes. Of course, you will want to make the entrance hole large enough for the type of bird you wish to nest in it. The hole needs to be ONLY that size since larger invite predators (birds, squirrels, etc.) to invade the box, either killing the chicks or taking over the box and evicting the previous residents.

Here’s a handy table to use when building birdhouses. Double check the bird house plans you are using to make sure all measurements are in order. Then settle back and enjoy bird watching in your backyard.

(See below for birdhouse plans!)

House Hole Diameter Height
Species floor depth above of above
(Inches) (Inches) Floor Hole Ground
(Inches) (Inches) (Feet)
Bluebird 5 X 5 8 6 1 1/2 5-10
Titmouse 4 X 4 8-10 6-8 1 1/4 6-15
Nuthatch 4 X 4 8-10 6-8 1 1/4 12-20
Bewick’s Wren 4 X 4 6-8 4-6 1 – 1 1/4 6-10
Carolina Wren 4 X 4 6-8 4-6 1 1/2 6-10
House Martin 6 X 6 6 2 2 1/2 10-15
Crested
Flycatcher 6 X 6 8-10 6-8 2 8-20
Flicker 7 X 7 16-18 14-16 2 1/2 6-20
Red-Headed
Woodpecker 6 X 6 12-15 9-12 2 12-20
Downy
Woodpecker 4 X 4 9-12 6-8 1 1/4 6-20
Robin 6 X 8 8 (1+ sides open) 6-15
Barn Swallow 6 X 6 6 (1+ sides open) 8-12
Phoebe 6 X 6 6 (1+ sides open) 8-12
Screech Owl 8 X 8 12-15 9-12 3 10-30
Wood Duck 10 – 18 10-24 12-16 4 10-20