Birds visit birdhouses for many reasons.
Many use them to lay eggs, raise a family, and to stay safe from predators and the elements. Others roost in houses during the colder months to stay warm and dry. Choosing the best bird house ensures that you’ll attract the right birds to your yard while giving them a wonderful place to stay.
Your hospitality will be rewarded with colorful avian visitors. We’ll go over the best bird houses and also guide you to the most suitable one based on which birds you want to attract, they can be picky, but you can easily accommodate their needs.
As opposed to having random birds frequenting for a quick feed on your bird feeder, birdhouses however will make sure some regulars stick around for the long haul. Simply be mindful of which birds you like most and we’re sure you’ll find the right one for your yard.
- See the best bird cages available for this year
What Types of Birds Use Birdhouses?
There are at least 30 bird species, known as cavity nesters, that use houses. These include many of the most popular species like bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, tree swallows, purple martins, and house sparrows. Screech owls, woodpeckers, wood ducks, and nuthatches are also known to use houses.
For moreinformation see our dedicated buyers guide at the bottom of page, with our accompanying FAQ answering all the popular questions in regards to birdhouses, their use and safety.
10 Best Bird Houses for all Types of Birds
1. Zaer LTD 2-Hole Bird House
Best for: Bluebirds, Wrens, Chickadees
Most birdhouses come as separate units, but this one places four homes side by side so you can have an avian community in your backyard. Each house is compartmentalized, so four families can live here in peace. The compressed fir wood is great against the elements and can be painted your favorite colors.
This product comes already assembled and there are holes in the bottom for air ventilation and water drainage. There’s a back door for easy cleaning. This item measures 18”x 10”x 5” and has a 1.25” hole in each house.
Two metal roof overhangs have been added for easy mounting. Both the screws and wood are resistant to water and insects.
Key Features
- Made from compressed fir, easy to paint and weather resistant
- Each house is its own separate unit
- Rustic design that adds charm to your yard
2. Hand-Made Novelty Cottage Bird House
Best for: Wrens, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice
Here’s a lovely cottage house that looks fit for a king. Made from exterior-grade plywood with a detailed shingle roof from either pine or cedar, this keeps birds comfy while adding sophistication to your yard. This house comes already assembled, has a 1.25” opening, and includes drainage and ventilation to keep birds healthy and dry. The house opens up for easy cleaning.
The birdhouse measures 10.25”x 7.25”x 10.75” and will be home to one lucky bird family. The white exterior was painted with water-based, non-toxic paint to ensure safety. Plus, this product easily mounts on a pole. If you want an upper-class home for your birds, then this is ideal.
Key Features
- Made from exterior-grade plywood and either pine or cedar
- Handmade with extreme attention to detail
- Opens up for easy cleaning
3. Cedar Bluebird Box House
Best for: Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Chickadees, House Wrens
Made specifically for bluebirds and also able to house tree swallows, chickadees, and house wrens, this bird house is made from cedar with a protective water-based stain. Cedar is naturally rot and insect resistant and measures approx 12”x 7.5”x 8.125”.
There are air vents on the walls and floor to maximize air flow, a predator guard that protects young birds, and the elevated mesh floor means no insect infestations. Fledgling grippers make it easier for baby birds to peer out the entrance. You can pole mount or flush mount with ease.
If you’re looking to protect birds in your yard, then this is the best birdhouse for your needs.
Key Features
- Made from cedar to prevent rot and insect infestations
- Predator guard and air vents to keep baby birds healthy
- Easy mounting options
4. Country Cottage Bird Houses
Delightfully detailed, this birdhouse is made from pine and metal and looks absolutely charming. It has yellow walls, white staircase, and even accents like a pile of logs and a planter. It’s not just charming to people, birds love it too. You’ll see them flock to live here and raise their babies.
Not only is it the perfect addition to your garden decor, but it has a sliding door to easily clean once birds have left. It measures 9.7”x 7.7”x 7.6” and works with many bird species.
Key Features
- Made from pine
- Vibrant colors makes this a wonderful garden decoration
- Has a sliding door for easy cleaning
5. 12-Room Purple Martin House
Best for: Purple Martins
Unlike some birds that don’t like to nest in groups, purple martins are an exception. They love being together, so a large 12-room birdhouse like this is perfect for them. The entire unit is made from lightweight, heat-resistant, and rust-free aluminum. Each room has a railing for safety and easy perching.
This product measures 27”x 27”x 16” and requires assembly. Has the colony grown too big for this unit? Additional units stack together for more space. Assembly is required, but is very simple. There are also door stops to close the rooms between seasons.
If you’re looking to host a whole colony and want a unit that can infinitely expand, then this is perfect.
Key Features
- Made entirely from aluminum, lightweight and heat-resistant
- Easily expands for more purple martins
- Highly durable and even lighter than wood
6. Perky-Pet Wren House
Best for: Wrens
Wrens are beautiful birds and now you can house a lucky bird family as they lay and raise their children. Made from real fir wood, this 6.5” tall hanging birdhouse is naturally insect-repelling and weather resistant. This wood is expected to last for years and it comes with a rope for simple hanging.
The Dutch style roof is cute and gives this house some real charm. The 1.5” hole is ideal for wrens to protect them from natural predators. On top of that, this product is only made from non-endangered wood. It’s a cute house your birds will adore.
Key Features
- Made from fir, naturally resistant to weather and insects
- Ideal for wrens
- Cute Dutch style roof
7. Natures Way Cedar Bluebird Viewing House
Best for: Bluebirds, Finches, Wrens, Chickadees, Tree Swallows, Woodpeckers, Other Wild Birds
For those who want a simple and versatile house, this is one of the best bird houses. It’s made to house a large number of different wild birds. Made from red cedar, this wood is resistant to bugs and weathering, plus it’s easy to stain or paint if you choose to. The entrance hole is 1.5”, which is ideal for most wild birds.
The entire house is 5.5”x6”x12” and has a large door in front that opens for cleaning. Mounting hardware is included and the weatherproof screws will ensure this is a permanent installation. You can expect a different bird every season as this product is ideal for many popular bird species.
Key Features
- Made from red cedar, resists bugs and weathering
- Large door that opens for cleaning
- Attracts many different birds
8. 16-Family Purple Martin Barn
Best for: Purple Martins and other smaller birds
Here’s a large house that purple martins are sure to flock to. There are 16 rooms with 12 being 6”x 6” and the other 4 being 6”x 9”. There are keyhole entrances and 3”x 6” porch railings for easy perching and protection. The entire unit measures 18”x 19”x 20” and only weighs 8lbs.
The floors have been sloped to drain water, and the unit is made from polypropylene copolymer plastic. This means it easily snaps together and is resistant to weathering. Made for use with telescopic poles for easy raising and lowering. The hinged fronts make clean up simple and quick.
Key Features
- Takes minutes to assemble
- Spacious rooms that purple martins will love
- Sloped to help drain rainwater
9. 10-Hole Copper Roof Bird Condo
Best for: All Smaller Birds
This 10-hole avian condo is perfect for birds who love living together in groups. Not only can this accommodate many families, but the unit looks beautiful with thick ⅝” wood and white latex paint. A real copper roof adorns the top and you can choose shiny or patina copper. The roof can be removed for easy cleaning.
The entire unit is 14”x 14”x 26” and the holes are 1 ½”x 1 ¾” for easy entry. This house is made to fit in a 4×4 post that can be found at any local hardware store. Made from MDF, or Medium-Density Fiberboard, this is a highly durable wood that will last for years.
For a touch of beauty and sophistication, this bird condo is a wonderful addition to any yard.
Key Features
- Made from durable MDF and a real copper roof
- Host a whole colony of birds
- Easy cleaning, simply remove the roof
10. The Lakeside Collection Watering Can Birdhouse
Some bird shelters double as unique outdoor decorations and this is one of them. This might look like charming rustic watering can, but it functions as a birdhouse that your bird will love as much as you do. Made from distressed metal with an intentionally weathered look, this gives your avian friends a place to rest and raise their babies.
Measuring 7.5”x 10”x 16 ¾”, this product can easily be mounted on a flat surface and the hole in the center allows birds to enter and exit. If you’re looking for something that’s different than the norm, then this might be the product for you.
Key Features
- Made from intentionally distressed metal
- Looks like a rustic watering can, adds vintage style to any yard
- Mount easily on any flat surface
Which Birdhouse Should I Choose for the Different Bird Types?
This section will cover the birdhouse preferences of many popular birds you want to attract.
In general, all ideal birdhouses that have thick and sturdy walls, holes to drain water, ventilation, sloped roofs to keep out rain, and baffles that prevent squirrels and other predators from sneaking in.
Wrens
Wrens are one of the easiest birds to attract.
- Ideal Dimensions: 8” high, 4”x4” or 4”x6” base, 1 ⅛” hole or larger that’s 6” above the base
- Desirable Colors: Earth Tones
- Placement: 5-10’ high (post, hanging in tree, etc.)
- Preferred Habitat: Carolina wrens prefer homes that are well hidden while house wrens prefer homes hanging along the border of an open yard or from a tree in the center of the yard
Bluebirds
Bluebirds come in three species, eastern, western, and mountain, and all three use birdhouses.
- Ideal Dimensions: 10” high, prefer 5.5”x5.5” base, 1.5” hole that’s 6” above the base
- Desirable Colors: Earth Tones
- Placement: 5-10’ on post in an open field, prefer certain directions. In order they are: east, north, south, and west
- Preferred Habitat: Since they feed their babies with insects, bluebirds prefer nearby open fields so they can easily hunt and return with food
Chickadees and Titmice
These birds are related and use the same type of haven.
- Ideal Dimensions: 8” high, prefer bases of 4”x4” or 5”x5”, 1.25” hole that’s 6” above the base
- Desirable Colors: earth tones
- Placement: 4-8’ in a small tree thicket
- Preferred Habitat: They naturally nest in dense thickets or pockets of trees
Tree Swallows
Nearly identical to bluebirds in terms of sizing, location, and colors.
The only difference is that tree swallows enjoy hunting in open fields and water. Being near a small body of water can help attract tree swallows
- -Sizing, Colors, Placement: See Bluebirds
Purple Martins
Unlike many other birds, purple martins live in colonies and like apartment-style birdhouses.
As a side note, they also use gourds as their safe haven.
- Ideal Dimensions: 6”x6”x6” apartments, 2.5” hole that’s 2.25” above the base
- Desirable Colors: White
- Placement: 15-20’ high, near water with open space
- Preferred Habitat: Like fields, water, and lawns with many bugs to hunt. They also like utility wires to perch near their homes
Wood Ducks
Unlike other ducks, wood ducks typically nest in tree cavities, but are happy to live in appropriate birdhouses.
- Ideal Dimensions: 24” high, 10”x10” base, 4”x3” elliptically-shaped holes that are 20” above the base
- Desirable Colors: earth tones
- Placement: 3-5’ on a post above water, or 12-40’ on a tree near water, place 3-4” of wood shavings on the floor of the home
- Preferred Habitat: tree ducks live near water, like lakes, streams, and rivers, to lead ducklings to after they’ve hatched
Screech Owls
Screech owls are quite common, but are often unseen since they are nocturnal.
They use the exact same birdhouses as wood ducks, so follow the instructions above. They will often nest in summer and roost in winter. You’ll see them sitting by the entrance holes at dusk.
- The only difference is that screech owls prefer homes in woodland areas and on mature trees.
American Robins
Known for nesting near downspouts and ledges on homes, they use a variety of birdhouses, even three-sided ones.
- Ideal Dimensions: 8” high, 6”x6” base, open front
- Desirable Colors: Earth Tones
- Placement: High on the side of a building or tree. If placed under a deck or in a barn, then this might attract phoebes or barn swallows.
- Preferred Habitat: Robins prefer living near grassy lawns and older trees that are full of tasty earthworms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Hang a Birdhouse?
There are several ways to hang them, but they are primarily split into mounting on a flat surface or a pole. If intended for a flat surface, the birdhouse should have tabs that you can run a screw threw. Screw the house into a tree, wall, or any other flat surface and you’re done.
If meant for pole mounting, there should be a section on the bottom ready to accept a pole. Drive the pole into the ground, place the birdhouse on top, and then screw it into place. Be sure to have it facing food sources and have each house about 15 feet apart.
What to Put in a Birdhouse?
There is some debate as to whether putting nesting materials in the birdhouse is a good or bad idea. Some people say it makes life easier for the birds while others say that birds are picky and will remove the nesting.
With that said, most birds like lining their nests with moss, pine needles, twigs, shredded bark, grass, feathers, and pieces of fabric or hair. If you’re trying to attract woodpeckers or owls, then some saw dust and small wood chips are also good.
How Much are Birdhouses?
This largely depends on the size and which birds you want to attract. We urge you to check the prices from our list of the best bird houses to ensure you’re getting a quality product. In general, though they are relatively affordable and work wonders for attracting birds.
How to Attract Birds to a Birdhouse?
They need a house and they want one that’s easy to live in, so just ensure you match their preferences. You should pay attention to the size of the birdhouse, where it’s placed, its color, and if nearby food sources are available. If you do that, then you should have no problem attracting a bird. Our guide above details what types of birdhouses different birds like and this is the best way to attract colorful avian to your yard.
What is the Best Natural Birdhouse?
Many birds love gourds and they are hardy enough to create natural homes. Create an entrance hole according to the bird you’re trying to attract (check our birdhouse guide above) and then clean away the seeds and pulp. Drill one or two smaller holes on the bottom for water drainage. Hang this from a pole, hooks or branches, voila, this should create a nice shelter for the bird you are trying to attract.
What Direction Should a Birdhouse Face?
The hole should ideally face away from winds and towards food. For example, if wind primarily comes from the north in your area, then place the hole towards the south. This reduces the elements entering the house, plus it keeps the birds much safer overall.
What is the Best Material for a Birdhouse?
There will always be different opinions, but wood is the best overall material. It’s highly breathable, durable, and most resist weathering, decay, and insects. Just make sure the wood isn’t rotten because birds won’t use it then.
Is Painting a Birdhouse Safe?
Yes, if you do it correctly. This enhances the house’s yard appeal, but be aware that it often won’t affect how many birds visit the house. Be sure to use non-toxic paints and stains and give it time to dry so there’s no fumes. Never paint the interior. Use lighter colors to ensure the birdhouse doesn’t retain heat. Darker colors will make the houses hot and birds don’t like that.
Do I Have to Clean my Birdhouse?
Unless you want to attract mice, then yes, you have to clean the house. Make sure the birds have truly left. You don’t want to clean everything out and make the current tenants angry. Open the house (most will open up) and remove the nesting materials. Sweep out all the debris. Close it up and the house is ready for a new bird family.
Unless there is a big mess left behind, which is rare, then don’t go crazy about cleaning. Just remove the nesting and that’s it.
