Why Aren’t Birds Using Your Birdhouse? What to Check First
If birds are ignoring your birdhouse, check species fit, breeding range, habitat, entrance size, placement, predator access and competition before changing the box.
How Close Should a Bird Feeder Be to a Nest Box?
Learn how far to separate a bird feeder from a nest box by balancing predator attraction, House Sparrow competition, active-nest disturbance, habitat and feeder type.
Why Native Plants Help Backyard Birds
Learn why locally native plants can support backyard birds through insects, seeds, fruit, nectar, nesting cover and seasonal habitat—and how to choose plants for your site.
Best Birdhouse Materials: Wood Thickness, Ventilation & Drainage
Choose safer birdhouse materials with Cornell NestWatch guidance on untreated wood, 3/4-inch walls, ventilation, drainage, roof design, fasteners and materials to avoid.
Where to Put a House Wren Nest Box: Height, Spacing & Competition
Place a House Wren nest box correctly with Cornell NestWatch guidance on 5–10 ft height, 100 ft spacing, woody cover, entrance size and cavity competition.
Where to Put a Tree Swallow Nest Box: Height, Spacing & Pairing
Place a Tree Swallow nest box correctly with Cornell NestWatch guidance on habitat, 5–6 ft height, 35 ft spacing, entrance direction, pairing and fledgling ladders.
Where to Put a Chickadee Nest Box: Species-Specific Placement Guide
Place a chickadee nest box correctly by species. Compare Black-capped, Carolina, Mountain, Chestnut-backed and Boreal Chickadee height, spacing, habitat and bedding.
Where to Put an Eastern Bluebird House: Height, Habitat & Spacing
Learn where to place an Eastern Bluebird nest box, including habitat, mounting height, spacing, entrance direction, predator protection and Tree Swallow pairing.
