The benefits of a House Sparrow Bird Box
With the decline of the population of House Sparrows, offering a nest box in your garden is the perfect way to offer them additional nesting sites and help to increase their breeding success.
The unique design and small entrance holes big enough only for birds such as House Sparrows means that chicks and eggs are protected from predators and harsh weathers like rain and wind.
Along with many other bird species, House Sparrows prefer to nest in cavities. This can mean that they face competition with other species, such as Tree Sparrows, for these nest spaces. By offering a cavity nesting box specifically designed for House Sparrows in your garden, you are helping to reduce this competition and ensure there is space for everyone to nest.
On a more selfish note, we know how amazing it is to see House Sparrows flying around your gardens and eaves of houses which is why an amazing benefit of a House Sparrow nesting box is the perfect way to make your garden into a bird watching space.
Do House Sparrows Regularly use Bird Nesting Boxes?
Yes, House Sparrows are known to readily use nesting boxes. This can depend on location and the habitat they are in.
If House Sparrows are in a rural area, their natural nesting sites of cavities in trees are more likely to be available compared to suburban areas and urban areas where nest boxes are much more important for these birds.
What Size Hole Does a House Sparrow Nest Box Need?
The entrance hole of a House Sparrow nest box is typically around 3.2 centimetres in diameter. This will allow the House Sparrow to access the box easily but will stop predators from entering.
The best location to site House Sparrow Nest Bird Boxes?
It's important to make sure your House Sparrow Nest box is placed in an area that mimics where a House Sparrow would usually nest.
We recommend mounting the nest box at least 6 to 10 feet off of the ground to help protect the nest from ground predators such as cats.
House Sparrows prefer to nest in sites not too exposed to direct sunlight or complete share. Try and find somewhere in the middle that would receive partial sunlight.
Sparrows prefer nesting sites that are quiet and secluded so make sure the nest is placed in an area with no disturbance.
You'll often spot House Sparrows perching on the branches or trees or bushes. So, if you can, place the nest box in an area that has some vegetation for these little birds to perch!
How to attract House Sparrows to a bird house
The most effective way to attract a House Sparrow to your bird house is to place the nest box strategically, this will attract the House Sparrow it's the perfect nest in a perfect location.
Near the bird box, offer a few nesting materials such as dried grass, small twigs and feathers, as this will encourage House Sparrows to investigate and potentially use the nest box.
House Sparrows will be attracted to an area with a reliable, and readily available, food and drink source. A bird feeder containing seeds and grains and bird bath with shallow water helps create the perfect environment in your garden.
When should I expect House Sparrows to nest
Usually, House Sparrows will begin nesting in spring and summer months with activity peaking around March to August. However, House Sparrows are opportunistic breeders which means if the weather is warm enough, they may start breeding earlier.
To attract these birds to the bird box, it's best to have it set up and ready quite a while before breeding season begins.
House Sparrow Nest Box Maintenance Tips
House Sparrow nest boxes are very easy to maintain. After each breeding season, check the nest box for any signs of damage or deterioration, if there is try and fix it - if the damage is too bad replace the nest box.
To clean the bird boxes ready for the breeding season, clear out all of the old nesting materials and use a stiff brush to remove any build up. Don't use any chemicals to clean it as this can be harmful for the birds. Hot water is perfect if it needs a deep clean.
