Adding a bird house can give cavity-nesting birds another place to raise their young while bringing the fascinating nesting season closer to home.

Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs carries functional bird houses, nesting boxes, mounting poles, predator guards, nesting accessories, and other products designed to support nesting birds. Our local team can help you match the right house to the birds, habitat, and conditions around your property.

Visit us at 2450 Montebello Square Drive, and feel free to bring photographs or measurements of the location where you would like to install your bird house; we would love to help you set up the perfect house for your place!

Bird House Questions: Quick Answers

What birds use bird houses in Colorado Springs?

Bird houses are primarily used by cavity-nesting birds. Depending on your habitat and elevation, possible occupants include bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, swallows, flickers, kestrels, and some owls.

Do hummingbirds use bird houses?

No, Hummingbirds do not use traditional bird houses. They build small open-cup nests on branches and other protected supports. 

When should I put up a bird house?

Installing a bird house before nesting season gives birds time to find and investigate it. However, a functional nesting box can be installed at any time of year, and some birds may use it for shelter outside the breeding season.

Does a bird house need a perch?

No. Cavity-nesting birds do not need an exterior perch. A perch can make it easier for predators or larger competing birds to reach the entrance.

Why is my bird house still empty?

Birds may need time to discover a new house. Entrance size, mounting height, surrounding habitat, sun exposure, wind, predators, and competition can also affect whether a box is used. The house may simply not match the cavity-nesting birds living around your property.

 

Birds That Use Bird Houses

Bird houses are primarily used by birds that naturally nest in cavities.

Woodpeckers and other primary cavity nesters can excavate their own nesting spaces. Secondary cavity nesters rely on existing tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or appropriately designed nesting boxes.

Colorado birds that may use bird houses or specialized nesting structures include:

• Mountain, Western and Eastern Bluebirds
• House Wrens
• Black-capped and Mountain Chickadees
• White-breasted, Red-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches
• Tree and Violet-green Swallows
• Northern Flickers
• American Kestrels
• Western Screech-Owls

The species attracted to a nest box will depend on its dimensions, entrance size, placement, elevation, and surrounding habitat.

Bird houses are only one part of the nesting story. Colorado birds also nest on the ground, in deciduous and coniferous trees, on ledges, in shrubs and on human-made structures. Read our Wild Bird Warble article, Where Colorado Birds Like to Nest: A Look at Their Favorite Homes, to explore the different nesting strategies used by birds across Colorado.

What Makes a Good Bird House?

A bird house should do more than look attractive. A functional nesting box must protect eggs, nestlings, and attending adults from weather while providing appropriate ventilation and drainage.

Important bird house features include:

• An entrance opening sized for the intended species
• Adequate ventilation near the top of the box
• Drainage in the floor
• Durable, weather-resistant construction
• Sufficient interior space for the intended bird
• A roof that helps shed rain and shade the entrance
• Interior texture or a fledgling ladder below the opening
• Access for monitoring and seasonal cleaning
• A secure mounting system
• No exterior perch

If the exterior is painted or finished, choose a bird-appropriate product and a light, muted color that will not absorb excessive heat. Never paint the inside of a nesting box or the surface immediately surrounding the entrance.

Choosing the Right Bird House

There is no single bird house that is appropriate for every species or yard. A successful nesting setup begins with the right house in the right habitat.

Before selecting a nesting box, consider:

• Which cavity-nesting birds live near your property
• Whether your yard is open, wooded or somewhere in between
• The size of the entrance opening
• The recommended mounting height
• The direction of prevailing wind and intense afternoon sun
• Nearby trees, shrubs, fences and structures
• Access for monitoring and cleaning
• Predators or competing wildlife in the area
• Whether the box can be mounted securely
• How closely other nest boxes are placed

The entrance size is especially important. An opening that is too small may exclude the intended bird, while one that is too large may allow predators or larger competing birds to enter.

Our team can help you evaluate these factors and choose a bird house that fits your property and nesting goals.

Types of Bird Houses

Bluebird Houses

Bluebird houses are designed for bluebirds and other similarly sized cavity nesters. Bluebirds generally prefer open habitat with low vegetation and scattered trees, fence lines, or perching locations nearby.

Depending on your location and elevation, Colorado bluebird species may include Mountain Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, and, in parts of eastern Colorado, Eastern Bluebirds.

Bluebird boxes are usually most successful when mounted on a freestanding pole in appropriate open habitat with suitable predator protection.

Wren and Chickadee Houses

House Wrens, Black-capped, and Mountain Chickadees may use smaller nesting boxes placed near trees, shrubs, woodland edges or established gardens.

Although some houses can accommodate more than one small cavity-nesting species, placement and habitat will influence which bird ultimately claims the box.

Wrens can be enthusiastic nest builders and may fill more than one available cavity with sticks. Chickadees may add moss, soft plant fibers, and other materials to create their nest.

Nuthatch Houses

Several nuthatch species found in the Colorado Springs region use natural cavities and may accept an appropriately sized nesting box.

Nuthatches generally prefer boxes near mature trees or wooded habitat. The appropriate entrance size, mounting height, and surrounding habitat will vary by species, so correct identification and placement are important.

Swallow Houses

Tree Swallows and Violet-green Swallows may use nesting boxes in suitable open habitat. They need clear flight paths and access to abundant flying insects.

Swallow boxes should be placed according to the needs of the intended species rather than simply attached wherever space is available.

Northern Flicker Houses

Northern Flickers are cavity-nesting woodpeckers that sometimes excavate nesting holes in siding, trim, or other wooden parts of a home. Providing a properly designed Northern Flicker house can offer them a safer and more appropriate place to nest.

If a flicker has already started excavating a hole in your home, placing a suitable nest box directly over the existing hole may encourage the bird to use the box instead of continuing to drill into the house or beginning another hole nearby. Flicker houses are larger than standard songbird houses and should include the correct entrance size, interior dimensions, ventilation, drainage, and wood-chip bedding.

While no nest box can guarantee that a flicker will stop drilling, the right house and placement can greatly improve your chances. Our team can help you choose a Northern Flicker house and determine the best placement for your property.

Nesting Shelves

Some birds that do not use enclosed houses may accept a protected nesting shelf. Robins, House Finches, Phoebes, and certain other species sometimes build nests on ledges or sheltered structures.

A nesting shelf should be placed where birds have a suitable approach, overhead protection and some shelter from severe weather.

Smart and Camera Bird Houses

A camera-equipped bird house can provide a remarkable view of nest building, egg laying and nestling development.

The camera and wiring should not reduce ventilation, create sharp edges, interfere with the birds or make the box easier for predators to access. Select a house designed to accommodate the technology safely, and complete installation or adjustment before nesting begins.

Once birds are actively nesting, avoid unnecessary changes to the box or camera.

 

Where Should a Bird House Be Placed?

Placement should be based on the bird you hope to attract.

Bluebirds generally prefer open areas. Chickadees, wrens, and nuthatches are more likely to use boxes near trees, shrubs, or woodland edges. Larger birds require their own specific habitat and mounting recommendations.

A good bird-house location should provide:

• Habitat appropriate for the intended species
• A clear approach to the entrance
• Protection from prevailing wind (generally facing South or East)
• Protection from the hottest afternoon sun
• A secure mounting surface or pole
• Reasonable access for monitoring and cleaning
• Distance from pesticide-treated areas
• Protection from climbing and reaching predators

Colorado Springs can experience intense sun, high winds, hail, and rapid temperature changes. A box should be sturdy enough for local conditions and positioned so it does not become dangerously hot during summer afternoons.

Do not install a nest box only according to where it looks best from the house. The needs of the nesting birds should guide the final location.

Should a Bird House Be Mounted on a Tree or Pole?

A freestanding metal pole often provides the greatest flexibility. It can be placed in suitable habitat and equipped with a predator guard.

Trees and fence posts may give squirrels, raccoons, cats, and other predators easier access to the box. They can also make it more difficult to install an effective baffle.

Not every property can accommodate a freestanding pole, so our team can help you compare mounting systems and predator-resistant options.

Protecting a Bird House From Predators

Nesting birds face natural predators, but a poorly placed nesting box can make eggs and nestlings particularly easy to find.

Predator-resistant strategies may include:

• Mounting the box on a freestanding pole
• Installing an appropriately designed pole baffle
• Adding an entrance-hole guard or extender
• Keeping the entrance away from nearby branches and structures
• Avoiding exterior perches
• Using sturdy construction that cannot be easily opened
• Monitoring the box responsibly

No predator guard is effective in every setting. The correct approach depends on the box, mounting system and wildlife present around your property.

Visit our wildlife-resistant bird-feeding guide for more information about squirrels, raccoons, deer and other backyard visitors.

Should Bird Houses Be Placed Near Feeders?

A bird house should not be placed directly beside a bird feeder.

Many nesting birds feed their young insects and other natural foods, even when the adults visit feeders themselves. Native plants, healthy insect populations, water, and nearby shelter can all help create better nesting habitat.

A busy feeding station may also create crowding and draw the attention of squirrels, raccoons, outdoor cats, and predatory birds. Depending on your yard, placing the nesting box some distance from the busiest feeder may give the nesting pair a quieter location.

You can still support nesting adults with appropriate bird food elsewhere in the yard. Our guide to the best bird seed for Colorado Springs birds explains which foods attract chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, bluebirds, and other local birds.

Bird Houses During Bear Season

In Colorado Springs, bird houses can provide another way to enjoy backyard birds when seed, suet or nectar feeders need to be removed because of bear activity.

A nest box does not contain a food reward for a bear. Native plants, clean water, and appropriately placed nesting habitat can help you remain connected to birds while reducing food-based attractants.

If bears are visiting your property, follow our guide to bird feeders and bears in Colorado Springs.

Helping Birds Discover a New Bird House

A bird house may be occupied quickly, or it may remain empty for an entire nesting season. Local bird populations, habitat, placement, competition, and the availability of natural cavities all influence how quickly birds accept a new box.

Do not be discouraged if birds do not move in immediately. Confirm that the house and entrance are appropriate for local species, then give the birds time to investigate it.

Some cavity-nesting birds may also investigate or use boxes for shelter outside the breeding season.

Nesting Material

Birds are remarkably capable of finding their own nesting materials. Leaving some natural materials in your landscape can help:

• Dry grasses
• Small twigs
• Moss
• Fallen leaves
• Plant fibers
• Mud
• Spider silk
• Naturally shed feathers

Avoid offering dryer lint, long hair, yarn, string, plastic strips, or other materials that can become wrapped around a bird’s feet, wings, or neck. Pet hair may contain residues from flea, tick, or other topical treatments and is not a good choice for nesting birds.

If you offer a nesting-material product, use one made specifically for wild birds and follow its directions.

Most small songbird boxes should be left empty so birds can construct their own nests. Some larger cavity nesters require a layer of untreated wood shavings because they do not build a typical nest. Follow the recommendations for the intended species.

Monitoring a Bird House

Monitoring can help you learn which birds are using the box and identify problems, but it should be done carefully.

Before opening a box:

• Approach calmly and avoid prolonged activity around the entrance.
• Tap gently so an adult has an opportunity to leave.
• Keep each inspection brief.
• Do not force a sitting adult from the nest.
• Do not handle eggs, nestlings or nesting material.
• Stop monitoring if the birds appear unusually distressed.
• Follow species-specific monitoring recommendations.

Cornell Lab’s NestWatch provides monitoring guidance and allows participants to contribute nesting observations to a community-science database.

Cleaning and Maintaining Bird Houses

Choose a bird house that opens easily for cleaning and inspection.

Never clean, relocate or modify a box while it contains an active nest, eggs or dependent young. Most native bird nests are protected by federal law while they are active.

At the end of the nesting season:

• Confirm that the box is no longer active.
• Remove old nesting material.
• Scrape away accumulated debris.
• Clean the box according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Allow it to dry completely.
• Check the roof, floor, entrance and mounting hardware for damage.
• Repair or replace damaged components before the next nesting season.

Wear gloves and avoid breathing dust from old nesting material. Do not spray pesticides, fragrances or harsh household chemicals inside a bird house.

What If You Find a Baby Bird?

Please do not bring baby, sick or injured birds into our store. Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs is not a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility and cannot accept, examine or treat wildlife.

Because every situation is different, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening. Visit our sick or injured bird resource page for contact information.

Find Bird Houses and Nesting Boxes in Colorado Springs

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs at 2450 Montebello Square Drive to explore bird houses, nesting boxes, mounting systems, predator guards, nesting materials and camera-equipped options.

Tell us which birds live around your property and where you would like to place the house. Photographs of the yard, nearby trees and proposed installation site can help our team recommend an appropriate option.

You can also shop bird houses and nesting products from our Colorado Springs store online. Your order will be prepared and packed by our local store team.