Which Nest Box to Choose and How to Site It
Why Garden Bird Nest Boxes Are So Important
As natural nesting spaces disappear - with old trees felled, buildings sealed, and countryside shrinking - wild birds struggle to find safe places to raise their young. Installing a bird nesting box is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support wildlife in your own garden.
Not only does a well-placed box offer a safe home for breeding birds in spring, but it also provides vital shelter in autumn and winter, when cold weather and predators pose a real threat.
Which Garden Birds Use Nest Boxes?
Not every species will move into a nest box - and that’s completely normal.
Some birds, like chaffinches, goldfinches, and long-tailed tits, prefer to weave their nests among branches and foliage.
Others, known as cavity-nesting birds, naturally seek out holes and crevices to raise their young.
These are the species most likely to make use of your nest box, including:
- Blue Tits and Great Tits
- House Sparrows
- Nuthatches and Flycatchers
- Starlings and Woodpeckers (with larger boxes)
With fewer natural cavities available, a garden bird box can be a lifesaver and might stop birds from nesting in risky places like guttering or vents.
Bird Nest Box Hole Sizes: Choose the Right One
The entrance hole size is a small detail that makes a big difference. It affects which species will use the box and keeps predators (like a Magpie, Cat, or Sparrowhawk) from reaching inside.
| Hole Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| 25–28 mm | Blue, Coal, and Marsh Tits |
| 30–35 mm | House Sparrows, Great Tits, Flycatchers, Robins, Nuthatches |
| 50–70 mm | Starlings, Woodpeckers, Doves, Little Owls |
| Open front | Robins, Redstarts, Pied Wagtails, Blackbirds, Wrens |
Why You Should Install a Nest Box Before Spring
While spring is the peak nesting season, birds often explore and claim nesting sites months in advance. Installing your box in autumn or winter gives them time to familiarise themselves with it - and many species will also use it as a roosting shelter during colder nights.
A year-round nest box means you’re supporting birds through every stage of their lifecycle, from surviving winter to raising chicks in spring.
How to Choose the Perfect Nest Box Location
Where you place your nest box is just as important as the box itself. Birds look for safe, sheltered, and easy-to-reach spots. Follow these expert tips:
🪶 Mount the box 2–3 metres above ground (or up to 5 m for larger species).
🌤️ Face the entrance north or east to avoid strong winds and harsh sun.
🌳 Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heavy rain.
🐱 Position it away from fences or areas cats can climb.
✈️ Ensure birds have a clear flight path to the entrance.
If you’re putting up multiple boxes, space them 3–10 metres apart to avoid territorial disputes. Robins, for example, prefer more distance, while sparrows are happy nesting close together - even in a shared 'terrace' style box.
Nest Box Maintenance: Keep It Safe and Inviting
A clean box is far more likely to be reused. Once the breeding season is over (usually by October or November). Open the box and carefully remove old nesting material. This helps prevent mites, fleas, and wasps from settling in.
💡 Extra tips for maintenance:
- Don’t add nesting materials - birds prefer to collect their own.
- Mount the box at least 1.5–2 metres high to keep it out of reach of predators.
- If it is unused after two breeding seasons, try moving it to a new location.
- A quick rinse with hot water or a mild, eco-friendly disinfectant will keep the space safe for the next residents.
A Small Box, a Big Impact
Putting up a nesting box for garden birds might seem like a small step, but it can have a huge impact. You’re giving birds a safe place to rest, nest, and raise their young, while bringing the joy of nature closer to your home.
With a little planning and care, your garden can become a thriving bird-friendly habitat supporting wildlife for years to come.
©Flyte so Fancy Ltd 2025.
