Specs for Building Bird Houses
This table lists measurement specs for different birds. All the specs are important to follow but always pay particular attention to the size and position of the entrance hole. For many species, too large a hole will permit aggressive introduced species like House Sparrows and Starlings to enter the birdhouse and take it over, sometimes killing the chicks of the native species that have hatched.
All dimensions listed in feet ( ' ) & inches ( " )
| Bird Species | Cavity Width (Floor Size) |
Cavity Depth | Entrance Above Floor | Entrance Hole Size | Height Above Ground |
| Eastern Bluebird | 5" x 5" | 8" | 6" | 1 1/2" | 5' - 10' |
| Chickadee | 4" x 4" | 8 - 10" | 6 - 8" | 1 1/8" | 6 - 15' |
| Tufted Titmouse | 4" x 4" | 8 - 10" | 6 - 8" | 1 1/4" | 6 - 15' |
| Nuthatches, Wrens |
4" x 4" | 8 - 10" | 6 - 8" | 1 1/4" | 12 - 20' |
| Purple Martin | 6" x 6" | 6" | 2" | 2 1/2" | 10 - 15' |
| Flicker | 7" x 7" | 16 - 18" | 14 - 16" | 2 1/2" | 6 - 20' |
| Downy Woodpecker | 4" x 4" | 9 - 12" | 6 - 8" | 1 1/4" | 6 - 20' |
| Robin, Eastern Phoebe |
6" x 8" | 8" high shelf that is open on one or more sides. Mount under eaves, on side of building, out of direct sunlight. |
6 - 15' | ||