Introduction

Bluebird populations declined during the first half of the last century as habitat loss and the introduction of “pest” bird species claimed many of the bluebird’s natural nesting sites. Since then, bluebirds have made a dramatic comeback, thanks to thousands of dedicated folks who have put up bluebird nesting boxes.

Experienced woodworkers can build one of these in an hour or two, and even novices should be able to build one in an afternoon.

Where to place a bluebird house

Bluebirds hunt for their food on the ground, so they prefer pastures, meadows and other areas with low-cut grass interspersed with a few scattered trees. In populated areas, they’ll nest in golf courses, cemeteries, highway and utility rights-of-way, parks and pastures.

Busy urban areas, densely wooded areas and intensively farmed areas (where there’s a lack of natural habitat) are some of their least favored nesting spots.

Here, you’ll see how to build one tried-and-true nesting box design, the Peterson bluebird box. It has an opening precisely sized for bluebirds, which helps exclude unwanted European starlings, plus it’s easy to clean out. As you’ll see in the project directions, pulling out the locking nail on one side allows the front of the house to tilt open for inspection and cleaning. This house can be made for three species of bluebirds, eastern, western and mountain, although the dimensions we give are for the eastern and western species. Mountain bluebirds need a larger (1-1/2-in. x 2-1/4-in.) entry hole.

Materials for a bluebird house

You can use a variety of woods and plywood to build this birdhouse, as long as they’re weatherproof and not pressure treated. Pine or cedar boards, exterior plywood, even hardboard house siding can all be used. You can stain or paint the outside of your bluebird boxes a light color (gray or brownish gray), but always leave the inside and the edges of the entrance hole unfinished. The materials for your house will cost from $10 to $20.

Cut list