All About Nesting Birds & How to Support Them

Birds build nests as a safe place to lay eggs and raise young chicks. The nesting season occurs from March through August, depending on weather conditions and the bird species.

Across the UK, many garden birds face habitat loss and reduced food sources, making the breeding season harder. This is especially prevalent for birds like House Sparrows, which build their nest structure in the eaves of roofs but struggle to nest in modern buildings.

We all know the joy of knowing there's a family of birds in your garden, which is why we have pulled together a guide of everything you need to know about nesting birds and how you can help wild birds thrive during this season.

When Do Birds Nest?

In the UK, most species nest from March to August, but different species nest at slightly different timings. For example, Robin's nest from March, sometimes a little earlier if it's a mild winter. Whereas other birds, like the Swallow, nest later in April.

Nesting Garden Birds UK

Bird Name	Nesting Season (UK)	Nest Type / Site	Notes
Robin	Feb – July	Low, dense shrubs, hedgerows, open-fronted boxes	May have 2–3 broods per season; very territorial.
Blackbird	March – August	Bushes, trees, climbers like ivy	Often multiple broods; a common garden bird.
Blue Tit	April – June	Tree holes, small-hole nest boxes	Uses moss, feathers; lays large clutches.
Great Tit	March – July	Tree holes, nest boxes	Similar to blue tit; larger and bolder.
Wren	March – July	Cavities, dense undergrowth, brush piles	Male builds several nests; female chooses.
House Sparrow	April – August	Eaves, roof spaces, nest boxes	Colonial nesters benefit from terrace-style boxes.
Dunnock	March – July	Low shrubs, hedges	Discreet birds with messy nests.
Swallow	May – August	Barns, stables, under eaves (mud cup nests)	Migratory birds return to the same site each year.
Swift	May – July	High in buildings, under roof tiles, swift boxes	They often nest in colonies; they rarely see landing except at nest sites.
House Martin	May – August	Under eaves, wall corners (mud nests)	Mud cup nests; often reuse old nests.
Starling	April – June	Roof cavities, bird boxes	Noisy and sociable; declining in numbers.
Woodpigeon	Feb – August	Trees, ledges, shrubs	Long breeding season; flimsy stick nests.
Tawny Owl	Jan – April	Tree holes, large nest boxes	Very early nesters; nocturnal species.
Song Thrush	March – July	Hedges, bushes, trees	Lined with mud, the population has declined.

Different Types of Nests

Cup Nest

A neat, bowl-shaped nest made from twigs, moss, or grass, used by birds like blackbirds, robins, and song thrushes in hedges or shrubs.

Domed Nest

A covered nest with a side entrance, hidden in dense vegetation, built by birds such as the wren and long-tailed tit for extra protection.

Platform Nest

A large, flat, often messy arrangement of sticks used by woodpigeons, magpies, and crows, typically built in trees or on ledges.

Cavity Nest

A nest built inside a hole in tree cavities, wall, or nest box by many birds like blue tits, great tits, starlings, and owls, offering safety and warmth.

Scrape Nest

A shallow depression lined with minimal natural material, often used on open ground by wading birds like lapwings and plovers.

Mud Nest

Made from mud pellets and often fixed to buildings, bridges, or barns, these nests are typical of swallows and house martins.

Burrow Nest

A tunnel-like nest dug into sandy banks or cliffs, used by birds like the sand martin and kingfisher to keep their young hidden and cool.

Nesting Boxes

Small-hole nest box (25mm or 28mm hole)

Ideal for blue tits, coal tits, and marsh tits, this classic box offers protection from predators and suits cavity-nesting birds.

Larger-hole nest box (32mm hole)

Perfect for great tits, tree sparrows, and even nuthatches, this box allows entry for slightly bigger birds while still keeping chicks safe.

Barn owl box

Large, deep boxes are often placed in barns or tall trees, specially designed to support barn owls, a protected species needing safe, undisturbed nesting sites.

Helping Nesting Birds In Your Garden

• Early in Spring, put up nest boxes. You can research the right style depending on the type of local birds, and most birds will use an artificial nest box. When installing, put it 2 metres high and keep it away from direct sunlight and predators.

• If you can, try and avoid cutting hedges in nesting season as this can disturb birds and their chicks and can potentially lead to abandonment or harm. Remember, birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

• Always offer fresh water in a shallow dish or bird bath; this will help many species of birds stay hydrated and clean during the breeding season.

• Use high-quality and high-energy food like mealworms, seeds, suet, or fruit in your bird feeders. Avoid whole peanuts as these are a choking hazard for young birds.

• If you have cats, they can be quite harmful to nesting birds, so try and keep them inside during dusk and dawn, when birds are most active. If you can't, put a collar with a bell on them so birds can be warned that they are coming.