by C. Hill

Many bird species that nest in tree cavities will readily lay their eggs and raise their young in a nest box—an enclosed box with an entrance hole on one side. It is often referred to as a birdhouse. People often mount nest boxes on tree trunks, fences, or poles. Usually the lid or the side of the box can be lifted, allowing you to check what’s inside and monitor the progress of the nesting attempt.

Why should I put up a nest box?

Backyards, parks, and other areas may have suitable habitat for cavity-nesting birds, but limited natural cavities where they can nest. A nest box provides a place where these birds can safely lay

by K. Kridler

eggs and raise their young. If birds choose your box, you’ll have the opportunity to see their family life up close and to know that you’ve helped a new generation of birds add to the population in your area.

What birds use nest boxes?

At least 46 North American birds are known to use nest boxes, including ducks (e.g., Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser), birds of prey (e.g., Barn Owl, American Kestrel), songbirds (e.g., bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, Prothonotary Warbler) and woodpeckers (e.g., Northern Flicker).

How do I choose a nest box?

by Randy Bryan

You can purchase a nest box intended for birds (not merely decorative) or build one. The size of the box and the entrance hole will vary depending on which species you are trying to attract. For tips about nest box features, purchasing or building a box, placing it, and protecting it from predators, visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch web site.

What does it mean to monitor a nest box?

To monitor a nest box, you periodically check to see what species is using the box and record how many eggs or young are in the nest. If nest boxes are soiled, remove old nests and clean them with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) at the end of the breeding season.

Should I send my observations to the Lab of Ornithology?

House Sparrow Nest by Sarah McLaughlin

Yes! If you have a nest box, please visit NestWatch to find out how you can monitor it, record the data, and share your findings with scientists. Researchers will use the information to learn more about the breeding success of cavity-nesting birds.

For “bird bios” of cavity-nesting species and more information about nest boxes, please visit:
www.nestwatch.org

—Miyoko Chu