The Best Sites for a Nuthatch Birdhouse

In Which Tree?

• Even if you have a tall tree with low branches that seems perfect for a nuthatch house, the tree's position on your property is important. Choose a tree away from to the hustle and bustle of human life; not only would this deter birds from living in the birdhouse, but, supposing a pair decided to nest there, the parents would be too distracted defending the nest to be successful at gathering food for the chicks. If you have trees on your property where other birds are already nesting or you have another birdhouse you would like occupied, there should be at least a quarter acre between the nesting sites, since nuthatches are territorial birds.

How High

• The height at which your nuthatch house is secured is important; these birds do not naturally nest at eye-level. Different types of nuthatch prefer differing heights of house, but in general, the house should be at least six feet off the ground, but at a height where you are able to reach it to clean it after the nesting season is completed and the baby birds have fledged.

Meeting Needs

• Birds want to live in places near resources, so consider what a family of birds needs. A constant water source is important, as is a food supply, so birds nest in a grove of trees where beetles, caterpillars and ants are plentiful. However, because so many birds come and go from feeders, the activity will disturb nesting nuthatches if you place their nest box too close to the food source you providing. If you have a feeder, put up the birdhouse at least 50 feet away.

Protection from Predators

• Birds need shelter from predators, so hang the birdhouse in a place covered partially by branches rather than exposed. Predators also take advantage of perches on the fronts of birdhouses and use them to get inside and eat the nuthatch eggs or chicks, so do not build a house with a perch or place the house with branches too near the entrance.