Building a birdhouse for sparrows is a fun and rewarding project that can provide a safe and comfortable home for these little birds. Fortunately, they’re one of the least-demanding species to build a comfortable nest house for. Let’s have a look at what you’ll need and where you should place this shelter for your feathered friends!
Basic Information About Sparrows
Sparrows are small birds and usually brown and gray, with short tails and strong beaks. They eat seeds or small insects and live in flocks near areas where people live. They’re common in cities and suburbs.
Sparrows live between 4 and 5 years in the wild. Males and females have different feather coloration. They are found in most of Eurasia, Africa, and North America. House sparrows were imported to Brooklyn in the 1850s to help control caterpillars but soon spread across the continent. They became so pervasive that they’re sometimes considered an invasive species in the US.
What Sparrows Need In A Birdhouse
A birdhouse for sparrows should have a floor area of at least four by four inches with a minimum height of 9 inches. The walls should be made of high-quality material and be thick enough to provide insulation.
The roof should be slanted to keep the rain out. There should also be holes at the bottom to expel moisture.
To help you maintain the birdhouse, a hinged roof is a good idea.
How Large Is A Sparrow Birdhouse
A sparrow birdhouse should have a floor space of roughly 4 inches by 4 inches, with a height between 9 and 12 inches. The entry hole can be as large as 1.2 inches in diameter (32 mm).
Materials and Tools Needed
To build this type of birdhouse, you will need several materials and tools. You will need wood (preferably cedar or redwood), galvanized screws or finishing nails, waterproof wood glue, and a clear non-toxic oil base. You may also want to use hinges to add a hinged opening to the birdhouse for easy cleaning.
Learn more about bird feeders for all types of birds!
How To Construct The Sparrow Birdhouse
To construct the sparrow birdhouse, first cut the wood to size according to your plan. You’ll need:
- 1 – 4 inch square piece (floor). Drill several small holes in the base to allow water to drain.
- 2 – 4 x 9 inch pieces (sides)
- 2 – 5 x 9 inch pieces (front and back). The front should have a hole about 1.2 inches in diameter, about 6 inches from the bottom.
- 1 – 5 x 5 inch piece (roof)
Sand down each piece of wood to remove any rough edges or splinters. Apply a waterproof sealant or varnish to all wooden pieces before beginning assembly.
Start assembling the birdhouse by attaching the sides to the base. We suggest using wood glue first, then screwing the pieces together to create a strong connection. Next, attach the front and back. Again, use wood glue and screws, but attach them to both the base and to the sides.
Attach a hinge to the back of the unit, and to the roof piece. That way, when the house is vacant, you can easily open it to clean and disinfect it so that it’s ready for the next season.
Where to Mount a Sparrow Birdhouse
Once your birdhouse is assembled – and the glue is dry – it’s time to mount it!
It should be hung about 15 feet above the ground, either on a tree or the eaves of your house. Keep it out of direct sunlight so that the birds can live comfortably inside. The entrance of the house should face away from prevailing winds and have nearby trees or shrubs that provide shade and protection.
Conclusion
Building a birdhouse for sparrows is an enjoyable activity that can provide these common birds with a safe and comfortable home. With just the simple steps above, you can construct a birdhouse that will attract sparrows and provide them with the shelter they need.
