Saturday, January 06, 2018

The Stiles Birdhouse Top Ten Functionality Features


1. It has no perch. Tree holes in the wild have no perches, so the birds that use nest boxes do not need them. They can be a disadvantage in that they may attract House Sparrows, an invasive species that often takes over nests from our native hole-nesting birds.
2. Entrance Hole Size is just right. Bluebirds need an entrance hole 1 9/16 inches in diameter. This size also keeps out Starlings (which can get in 1 5/8), another invasive species that takes over nest boxes from native species.

3. Floor Dimensions. The inside dimensions of the box are at 5 inches by 5.5 inches so that there is room for the young to develop.

4. Box Height. The distance from the bottom of the entrance hole to the floor of the box is at least 5 inches. This keeps the developing young well down in the box and away from predators that might approach the entrance hole.

5. Removable Roof. This helps in two ways: to monitor the progress and health of the young; and to clean out the box at the end of the season.

6. Ventilation. There is a gap at the top of the box to let hot air out when the sun beats down on the box in summer.

7. Drainage. The floor of the box is slightly thinner to allow any water to drain out of the box.

8. Attachable to fence posts or trees because the back extends past the floor.

9. Made of sturdy 3/4 inch thick plywood that will insulate the birds from cold and heat.

10. The roof Overhangs and is sloped to shade the entrance hole and keep the rain out.

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