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Make a sanctuary for both you and your birds.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Recent studies have shown that North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, Witko shares.
Birdhouses are one way to help protect them and the places they need.
So how do you choose the best birdhouse?
Credit: Amazon
There are a few things to keep in mind.
It’s important to note that perches are never necessary on birdhouses, Witko says.
[They] can actually cause more harm than good by allowing predators access to the box.
Credit: Birdfy
A sloped roof will help keep birds dry, too.
This helps keep out heavy rain and discourages predators from accessing the box, Witko explains.
Its only available in one color/finish.
Credit: Lowe’s
Nesting Bird:A bird that is ready to lay eggs and hatch young chicks.
These birds require a safe haven to raise their babies.
Additionally, it has a sloped roof and an elevated mesh floor to help keep birds dry.
Credit: Amazon
To help increase airflow, this birdhouse is also equipped with essential air vents.
Cleaning this birdhouse is easysimply lift the front wooden panel to pull up the inside of the birdhouse.
Because its made with cedar, its only available in one finish.
Credit: BestNest
If you want to add more color to your landscape, consider planting somecolorful native plantsaround your birdhouse.
It’ll need to be charged occasionally unless you opt for the solar panel add-on.
you might even see the birds at night thanks to the night vision cameras.
Credit: Amazon
The birdhouse also features details that help keep birds safe and healthy, like fledgling kerfs.
There are also ventilation holes for proper airflow, as well as a mesh floor.
A metal guard around the entry hole helps protect birds from predators.
With a moisture proof and rot-resistant design, your birds will be safe from rain.
There are three sizes that come with the birdhouse: 0.9-, 1.5-, or 2-inch.
With a 1.125-inch entry hole, its intended for smaller birds only.
Similarly to our best overall birdhouse, this house has a front panel that lifts away for easy cleaning.
It also doesnt have a perch, making it a safe choice for nesting birds.
Instead, mount or hang birdhouses on a wooden pole.
For example, mounted on a second story exterior wall or on a balcony wall.
That means reducing threats like pesticides, feral cats, andwindow collisionsas much as we can.
Made with 0.875-inch thick cedar wood, this birdhouse is durable to create a safe environment for screech owls.
There is also an internal slat to help the owl leave the house or sit upon it for viewing.
We also love that there are three different color options: green, blue, and cardinal red.
Screech owl boxes are a bit different from other birdhousesthese can be mounted on trees.
Some experts suggest facing the box east or south to allow roosting owls to sun during cold days.
Its made with natural wood, so each birdhouse may vary slightly in its appearance.
This wooden birdhouse comes with a plastic-coated cable, so you could easily hang it in your yard.
This is a perfect birdhouse for wrens and chickadees, since the hole size is 1.25 inches.
The size of the opening also prevents larger birds from entering, so your wrens will be safe.
The best birdhouses have sloped roofs and gaps for ventilation, and this birdhouse has both.
Predators wont have anything to grab onto with this birdhouse since its perch free.
We appreciate that the bottom section of the birdhouse can be removed for easy seasonal cleaning.
You should only use the viewing window sparingly to avoid disturbing the birds.
This birdhouse is made from wood and has a side door that lifts up so you might see inside.
If you opt for this bang out of birdhouse, it’s best to use the viewing window sparingly.
Birdhouses can have a viewing window (usually made of plexiglass), provided they are mounted securely."
It also has fledgling kerfs, and its available at a relatively affordable price.
Cedar, pine, or cypress are all excellent choices.
These materials are durable and insulating, and theyre good substitutes for tree cavities.
Over time, nails or staples may loosen, but screws are more likely to stay in place.
Loose nails could allow rain to seep into the birdhouse and create an unhealthy environment for your nesting birds.
They are designed for short-term use, as birds dont really live in their nests year-round.
Your Questions, Answered
How much are birdhouses?
Birdhouses are relatively affordable, and several options on our list are less than $30.
Who We Are
Brandi Fullerhas been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since 2022.
She has also written for publications such as Southern Living, Real Simple, and PEOPLE.
Each birdhouse was selected with the safety and wellbeing of nesting birds in mind.
