EXPLORE
A field guide to the birds our houses are designed for—where they live, how they nest, and which Chirp designs suit them best.
Which Birds Use Birdhouses?
Jump to a species to see where it lives, how it nests, and which Chirp birdhouses are the best match.
Find Your Bird
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
North America’s smallest falcon, the American Kestrel is a colorful and highly adaptable bird of prey. A natural cavity nester, it readily uses properly designed nest boxes placed near open fields, meadows, and woodland edges.
Open fields, meadows, grasslands, farmland, parks, and woodland edges throughout much of North America.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, along with small rodents, lizards, frogs, and occasionally small birds.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree hollows, old woodpecker cavities, building openings, and readily accepts appropriately sized nest boxes.
NESTING STYLE
Typically 4–5 eggs, with an incubation period of about 26–32 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCH
10-30 ft high
Mount on a lone tree, pole, woodland edge, or farm building overlooking open fields or meadows. Face the entrance south or east when possible.
PLACEMENT
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
One of North America’s most familiar songbirds, the American Robin is equally at home in backyards, parks, fields, and woodlands. Rather than nesting in enclosed cavities, robins build sturdy open-cup nests and will sometimes use a properly placed sheltered nesting structure.
Lawns, parks, gardens, farmland, open woodlands, forests, and suburban neighborhoods across much of North America.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Earthworms, insects, snails, and other invertebrates, along with a wide variety of berries and fruits.
FAVORITE FOODS
Open-cup nester. Builds nests on tree branches, ledges, porches, gutters, and buildings, and may use a sheltered open nesting structure rather than an enclosed birdhouse.
NESTING STYLE
Typically 3–5 blue or blue-green eggs, with an incubation period of about 12–14 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-25 ft high
Mount the open nesting shelf on a building, post, or sheltered structure, ideally under an eave or soffit and protected from direct weather.
PLACEMENT
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens
A subtle bird of the dry West, the Ash-throated Flycatcher thrives in open woodlands, scrub, and desert landscapes. A secondary cavity nester, it readily uses natural hollows, old woodpecker holes, and appropriately designed nest boxes.
Dry scrub, deserts, open woodlands, riparian areas, and oak, juniper, and mesquite habitats throughout much of western North America.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Primarily insects and spiders, including beetles, wasps, caterpillars, flies, and other small arthropods, with occasional fruit when available.
FAVORITE FOODS
Secondary cavity nester. Uses natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, fence posts, pipes, and other sheltered human-made openings.
NESTING STYLE
Typically, 2–7 eggs, with an incubation period of about 14–16 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCH
3-20 ft high
Mount on a tree, post, or pole in dry open woodland, scrub, or desert habitat. A southeast-facing entrance is preferred.
PLACEMENT
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Graceful and unmistakable in flight, the Barn Swallow is a familiar sight over fields, farms, and open water. Rather than nesting in enclosed cavities, it builds a distinctive mud-and-grass cup on sheltered ledges, beams, and building structures, and will readily use a properly placed nesting shelf.
Open fields, farms, meadows, parks, shorelines, and areas near ponds and lakes, often wherever suitable buildings or structures provide protected nesting sites.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Almost entirely flying insects, including flies, beetles, bees, wasps, ants, moths, and other insects captured on the wing.
FAVORITE FOODS
Open-cup nester. Builds a mud-and-grass nest beneath eaves, on rafters, beams, bridges, and other sheltered structures, and may use an appropriately placed artificial nesting shelf or cup.
NESTING STYLE
Typically, 3–7 eggs, with an incubation period of about 12–17 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
7-12 ft high
Mount the nesting shelf on a building in a sheltered spot under eaves or soffits. Avoid active doorways and keep a source of mud nearby for nest building. Facing can be any direction.
PLACEMENT
Black-capped Chickadee
Myiarchus cinerascens
Small, curious, and instantly recognizable, the Black-capped Chickadee is a familiar year-round resident of northern woodlands and backyards. A natural cavity nester, it readily uses appropriately sized nest boxes and may even excavate its own nesting cavity in soft or decaying wood.
Deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, parks, suburban neighborhoods, and other areas with trees and woody shrubs across much of northern North America.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Insects, spiders, seeds, and berries. At feeders, chickadees readily take sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, and mealworms.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Uses natural hollows, old woodpecker cavities, and nest boxes, and will sometimes excavate its own cavity in soft or rotting wood.
NESTING STYLE
Typically, 6–8 eggs, with an incubation period of about 12–13 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-15 ft high
Mount on a tree, post, pole, or building near mature hardwoods or woodland edges. Face the entrance away from prevailing winds and keep the approach reasonably open.
PLACEMENT
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Brightly colored and closely associated with open landscapes, the Eastern Bluebird is one of North America’s best-known cavity nesters. It readily uses appropriately sized nest boxes placed near fields, meadows, orchards, and other open areas with scattered trees.
Open fields, meadows, pastures, orchards, parks, golf courses, and suburban landscapes with scattered trees and low ground cover.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Mostly insects and other small invertebrates, with berries and wild fruits becoming more important in fall and winter.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, and appropriately sized nest boxes, often in open areas with nearby perches.
NESTING STYLE
CLUTCH
Typically, 3–5 pale blue eggs, with an incubation period of about 11–19 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
4-6 ft high
Mount on a free-standing pole in open habitat with low ground cover. Face the entrance east toward open space when possible.
PLACEMENT
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
North America’s smallest woodpecker, the Downy is a familiar resident of woodlands, parks, and backyards. It normally excavates its own nesting cavity in soft or decaying wood but may also use a properly designed nest box.
Open deciduous woodlands, forest edges, orchards, parks, suburbs, and backyards.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
FAVORITE FOODS
Mostly insects and larvae, along with berries, seeds, and acorns. They also readily visit suet and sunflower feeders.
Cavity nester. Usually excavates a nest in dead or softened wood but can use a nest box suited to its size.
NESTING STYLE
CLUTCH
Typically, 3–8 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 12 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-25 ft high
Mount on a tree trunk or post in open woodland, forest edge, or wooded backyards. A spot near dead or decaying wood is ideal, with the entrance facing away from prevailing weather.
PLACEMENT
Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
A familiar flycatcher of woods, farms, and neighborhoods, the Eastern Phoebe often nests close to people. Rather than using enclosed cavities, it builds a mud-and-moss cup on sheltered ledges and readily accepts open nesting platforms.
Woodland edges, farms, parks, stream corridors, bridges, and suburban areas, especially where sheltered structures are available.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Mostly flying insects, including flies, beetles, moths, wasps, and other small invertebrates, with some berries in cooler months.
FAVORITE FOODS
Open-cup nester. Builds on ledges, beams, bridges, eaves, and sheltered nesting platforms rather than enclosed birdhouses.
NESTING STYLE
CLUTCH
Typically, 2–6 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 15–16 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
3-16 ft high
Mount the open nesting platform on a building or sheltered structure, ideally beneath an eave, overhang, or ledge and near fresh water. Facing can be any direction.
PLACEMENT
Eastern Screech Owl
Megascops asio
Small, adaptable, and largely nocturnal, the Eastern Screech-Owl lives comfortably in wooded neighborhoods as well as forests and parks. It depends on existing cavities for nesting and readily accepts properly sized nest boxes.
Forests, woodland edges, parks, suburban neighborhoods, and wooded stream corridors across much of eastern North America.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Small mammals, birds, insects, frogs, lizards, crayfish, and other small animals.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, and nest boxes, but does not excavate its own cavity.
NESTING STYLE
CLUTCH
Typically, 2–6 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 27–34 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCH
10-30 ft high
Mount on a mature tree or sturdy pole in wooded habitat, parks, or suburban areas with large trees. Keep the entrance facing away from prevailing winds and provide a clear flight path to the box.
PLACEMENT
Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
A bold, canopy-dwelling flycatcher of eastern woodlands, the Great Crested Flycatcher is the only eastern flycatcher that nests in cavities. It readily uses appropriately sized nest boxes when natural cavities are limited.
Open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, parks, cemeteries, and wooded suburban areas.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
FAVORITE FOODS
Mostly insects and spiders, along with berries and other small fruits.
NESTING STYLE
Cavity nester. Uses natural hollows, old woodpecker holes, hollow posts, and appropriately sized nest boxes.
CLUTCH
Typically 4–8 eggs, with an incubation period of about 13–15 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCH
3-20 ft high
Mount on a tree, post, or pole along a woodland edge with a clear flight path to the entrance. Facing can be any direction; hanging boxes can work especially well.
PLACEMENT
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Large and distinctive, the Northern Flicker is an unusual woodpecker that spends much of its time foraging on the ground. It typically excavates cavities in dead or softened trees but will also use appropriately sized nest boxes.
Open woodlands, forest edges, fields, orchards, parks, and suburban areas with scattered trees.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Mostly ants and beetles, along with other insects, fruits, berries, and seeds.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Usually excavates its own nest in dead or diseased wood, but may also reuse old cavities or accept a suitable nest box.
NESTING STYLE
Typically, 5–8 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 11–13 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCH
6-12 ft high
Mount on a tree, post, or pole along forest edges, open woodland, orchards, or fields. Face the entrance south or east and keep a clear flight path to the box.
PLACEMENT
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aegolius acadicus
Tiny, secretive, and mostly nocturnal, the Northern Saw-whet Owl inhabits forests across much of northern North America. It relies on existing cavities for nesting and readily accepts properly sized nest boxes.
Coniferous and mixed forests, wooded wetlands, riparian areas, and other mature, wooded habitats.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
FAVORITE FOODS
Mostly small mammals, especially mice and voles, along with occasional small birds and insects.
NESTING STYLE
Cavity nester. Uses old woodpecker holes, natural tree cavities, and appropriately sized nest boxes.
CLUTCH
Typically 4–7 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 26–29 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCH
12-15 ft high
Mount on a live tree in coniferous or mixed woodland, ideally near a river, swamp, or other water source. Face the entrance south when possible.
PLACEMENT
Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Striking and unmistakable, the Red-headed Woodpecker favors open woodlands with dead or dying trees. It usually excavates its own nest cavity but may also reuse existing cavities.
Open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, farmland, parks, burned areas, and places with standing dead trees.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
FAVORITE FOODS
Insects, acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, and other fruits. They also catch insects in flight and often cache food for later.
NESTING STYLE
Cavity nester. Usually excavates in dead trees or dead limbs but may also use natural or previously existing cavities.
CLUTCH
Typically, 3–10 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 12–14 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCH
10-20 ft high
Mount on a dead or mature tree in open woodland, orchards, parks, or forest edges. Keep the entrance in a clear, open area with easy access to nearby foraging habitat.
PLACEMENT
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Sleek and fast-moving, the Tree Swallow is a familiar bird of open country near water. It nests in existing cavities and readily uses properly sized nest boxes placed in open areas.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Fields, meadows, marshes, ponds, lakeshores, and other open habitats with nearby water.
FAVORITE FOODS
Mostly flying insects, along with some berries and other fruits, especially during cooler weather.
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree holes, old woodpecker cavities, and appropriately sized nest boxes in open landscapes.
NESTING STYLE
CLUTCH
Typically 4–7 white eggs, with an incubation period of about 14–15 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-6 ft high
Mount on a free-standing pole in open habitat, ideally near water or meadow. Face the entrance east when possible and keep the approach clear.
PLACEMENT
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophus bicolor
A familiar bird of eastern woodlands and backyards, the Tufted Titmouse is a year-round resident with a distinctive crest and bold personality. It nests in existing cavities and readily uses properly sized nest boxes.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, parks, orchards, and suburban neighborhoods.
FAVORITE FOODS
Insects, spiders, seeds, nuts, and berries. At feeders, they especially favor sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree holes, old woodpecker cavities, fence posts, and appropriately sized nest boxes.
NESTING STYLE
CLUTCH
Typically 3–9 eggs, with an incubation period of about 12–14 days.
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-15 ft high
Mount on a pole near mature deciduous trees, woodland edges, parks, or wooded neighborhoods. Face the entrance away from prevailing winds.
PLACEMENT
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
A familiar bird of mature woodlands and wooded neighborhoods, the White-breasted Nuthatch is known for moving headfirst down tree trunks. It nests in existing cavities and will also use properly sized nest boxes.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Mature deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, parks, orchards, and wooded suburban areas.
Mostly insects and spiders, along with seeds and nuts. At feeders, they readily take sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree hollows, abandoned woodpecker holes, and appropriately sized nest boxes.
NESTING STYLE
Typically 5–9 eggs, with an incubation period of about 13–14 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-20 ft high
Mount in mature deciduous woodland, forest edges, orchards, or wooded yards, ideally near open space. Face the entrance away from prevailing winds.
PLACEMENT
WREN
Troglodytes aedon
Small, energetic, and remarkably vocal, the House Wren is a familiar backyard cavity nester. It readily uses nest boxes and often fills available cavities with twigs before settling on a final nest site.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM
Backyards, parks, shrublands, farmland, forest edges, and open woodlands with nearby trees or dense vegetation.
Mostly insects and spiders, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, and other small invertebrates.
FAVORITE FOODS
Cavity nester. Uses natural tree holes, old woodpecker cavities, nest boxes, and even sheltered openings in buildings or other structures.
NESTING STYLE
Typically, 4–8 eggs, with an incubation period of about 13–15 days.
CLUTCH
BEST CHIRP MATCHES
5-10 ft high
Mount on a tree, post, or pole near shrubs, gardens, woodland edges, or backyards. Keep the entrance clear of dense branches and face it away from prevailing weather when possible.
PLACEMENT