Puddle Fact: The swallow can fly 8000 miles from Southern Africa travelling 200 miles per day
A Guide to types of nesting boxes
Bird boxes, or birdhouses, are a wonderful way to encourage a variety of avian visitors to your UK garden. By providing safe and cozy nesting sites for British birds, you can contribute to local biodiversity and create a more enjoyable outdoor space. However, not all UK bird species have the same nesting preferences. In this blog, we will explore different types of bird boxes suitable for the birds commonly found in the UK.
Blue Tit Nest Boxes
Blue tits are charming birds known for their vibrant blue and yellow plumage. To attract these delightful residents, consider installing a nest box designed specifically for blue tits. These boxes usually feature a small entrance hole, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place your blue tit box in a quiet, sheltered location, ideally facing away from prevailing winds.
Great Tit Nest Boxes
Great tits are close relatives of blue tits and have similar nesting requirements. They too prefer boxes with a small entrance hole, usually about 1 inch in diameter. Place a great tit box in a similar manner to that of the blue tit, in a quiet and sheltered location.
Sparrow Nest Boxes
Sparrows are common in the UK, and they can nest in a variety of locations, from gardens to urban areas. Sparrow nest boxes often have slightly larger entrance holes, around 1.25 inches in diameter. To attract sparrows, place the box near other sparrows' nests, as they prefer to be close to their own kind.
Robin Nest Shelves
Robins are known for their sweet songs and bright red breasts. While they usually prefer open nests, you can provide a platform or nest shelf where they can build their nests. These shelves can be placed in covered areas, under eaves or in dense foliage.
House Martin Nests
House martins are skilled aerial acrobats. To attract them, consider providing nest cups or platforms under the eaves of your house or other structures. These nests should be positioned high, where martins can easily access them while flying.
Owl Nest Boxes
The UK is home to various owl species, including barn owls and tawny owls. To attract these fascinating birds of prey, you can install large owl nest boxes with appropriately sized entrance holes. Owl boxes should be placed high in trees or on posts in quiet, wooded areas.
Swallow Nest Platforms
Swallows are wonderful insect hunters and a common sight in the UK during the summer. Swallow nests often consist of simple platforms. To attract swallows, provide open nest platforms under eaves, preferably near water sources, away from tall trees.
Starling Nest Boxes
Starlings are known for their remarkable singing and acrobatic aerial displays. To attract starlings, install nest boxes with larger entrance holes, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. These boxes can be positioned in gardens, trees, or even on building walls.
Puddle Round Up
Selecting the right bird box for your UK garden can significantly impact the species you attract. By providing specialised nesting opportunities, you create a welcoming environment for a diverse range of British birds, contributing to local biodiversity and the overall health of your ecosystem. Whether you're interested in the melodious tunes of blue tits, the charming antics of sparrows, or the regal presence of owls, there's a bird box suitable for your garden. Install a variety of these bird boxes in your outdoor space, and you'll soon enjoy the company of a lively avian neighbourhood that reflects the beautiful birdlife of the UK.
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