Build a Traditional Bluebird House: Slant Front Style

Things You Need

* Pine, cedar or redwood boards

* Basic woodworking tools and skills
Qty Description Size:

1 Front (A) 5½" W x 14" L

1 Back (B) 5½" W x 20" L

2 Sides (C) 6¾" W x 10½" L

1 Roof (D) 8½" W x 10" L

1 Bottom (E) 4" W x 3½" L

1 Entrance guard (F) 3½" W x 3½" L

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Cut a 22½ degree bevel across the top of the front section (A). The 22½ degree bevel sets the angle of the slope for the slant front birdhouse, and will match the angled cut for the side pieces (C).

Layout and the drill the 1½" entrance hole in the front (A). Measure up 11" from the bottom edge, centering the entrance hole across the width of the front section. Use a Forsner bit, hole saw or paddle bit to drill the entrance hole.

Lay out the angle of side pieces(C). To determine the angle of the cut, measure 3 1/4" from one end of a side piece. With a straight edge, draw a line from the 3 1/4" mark on the bottom edge to the top corner. This represents a 22½ degree angle to create the slanted front of the nest box. Cut along the line to create an angled side piece. Repeat the angled cut on the second side (C).

Form the bottom (E) from a small piece of stock, cutting a 22½ degree bevel across one edge. Measure 3½" from the top edge of the bevel, and cut the bottom section to its finished length. Drill several 1/4" holes through the bottom to allow for drainage.

Begin the assembly by attaching the bottom (E) to one of the side pieces (C). Line up the bevel of the bottom piece to the angled edge of the side, and secure with weather resistant nails or screws. This is the fixed side, while the other side is hinged to allow access to the finished birdhouse for periodic cleaning.

Line up the second side with the opposite side of the bottom, then drill and counter sink a screw along the center of the bottom edge. This single short screw will secure the side, which will form the door of the birdhouse, yet allow easy access for cleaning.

Lay the partially assembled birdhouse on its back edges, and position the front (A) along the angled side edges. The front will extend 1/4" above the sides, creating a space for air circulation. Attach the fixed side (the side without the single screw) to the front, using nails or screws. Then attach the door side (the side with the single screw) and create one side of the "hinge" by securing the side section to the front assembly with a single nail driven into edge approximately 1" down from the top.

Measure up 6" from the bottom edge of the back section (B). Lay the birdhouse on its front, then position the back section so the 6" mark is lined up with the bottom of the birdhouse (E), and attach the back to the bottom with nails or screws. Use more nails or screws to attach the fixed side to the back section.

Finish attaching the hinged side by driving a single nail through the back (B) and into the door side, forming a pivot point. Position the hinge screws in the front and back sections directly across from each other, enabling the door to open easily (refer to the side view drawing).

Attach the oversized roof to the back and front sections. The large roof creates overhangs along the front and both sides to protect the birdhouse box from rain.

Drill a 1½" hole into the center of the entrance guard (part F). Round off the edges with sandpaper, or use a ¼ round over bit to create a finished edge. Mount the entrance guard on a bias for a visually appealing diamond shape.

Mount the finished bluebird nesting box between 5' to 10' above the ground. For The blue bird house should face out towards an open field or grassy area.

The exact size of the entrance hole into the bluebird nest box is very important. The entrance hole must be large enough for the bluebird, but small enough to keep out the larger sparrows and starlings.

Eastern Bluebirds fit comfortably through a 1 1/2" entrance hole.

In areas with Mountain Bluebirds increase the size of the entrance hole to 1-9/16" in diameter.

Western Bluebirds will use either size, though some bird watchers report a higher success rate when using the 1-9/16" diameter entrance hole to the nesting box.

Do not use nest boxes with a 1 5/8" entrance hole, which is large enough for starlings to enter.

Bluebird populations suffered and declined in the 1960's, but rebounded with the help from concerned birdwatchers. The North American Bluebird Society was formed to encourage and instruct and encourage people to build and hang bluebird houses.

Bluebirds eat bugs and berries, but are not attracted to bird feeders filled with birdseed.

Bluebirds like mealworms, and will visit feeders filled with live or freeze-dried mealworms.

There are three species of bluebirds in North America: the Eastern, the Western and the Mountain bluebirds.

Eastern bluebirds can have up to three broods per season.

Bluebird eggs are pale blue in color.

In winter, several bluebirds will often roost together in a bluebird house for warmth.

Image: Public Domain

The National Wildlife Federation Certification Program

For over 35 years, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has encouraged homeowners, schools, corporations and municipalities to incorporate the needs of the local wildlife into their landscape design.

So far, the NWF has recognized the efforts of nearly 140,000 individuals and organizations who plant native shrubs and plants for food, cover and places for raising their young, provide include a source of drinking water, and add nesting boxes for cavity nesting birds.

National Wildlife Federation: Certify Your Wildlife Garden

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Bird watchers and gardeners try to attract bluebirds into their yards, both for their beauty and for the beneficial role they play by eating many different types of insects.

Bluebirds inhabit open spaces in rural areas, and they are often found near fields, pastures and in open areas at the edge of woodlands. They can also be enticed to visit gardens that cater to their basic needs while providing an environment to make them feel safe and secure.

Our garden strives to provide the four essential requirements for bluebirds and other feathered visitors: Food, Shelter, Water and Nesting Areas. Plantings include a mixture of native and cultivated perennials and shrubs, planted along and under the mature oak trees where the birds can find berries and hunt for bugs.

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