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Where do I put my birdbox and what size should it be?

Updated: May 21


You've bought your birdbox – exciting! Now comes the fun part: putting it in the right spot so your feathered visitors feel safe enough to call it home. Whether you’re hoping for sparrows, bluetits, or even robins, a little placement wisdom goes a long way.

How High Should I Hang My Bird Box?

For most small garden birds, the ideal height is around 2 to 4 meters off the ground. Choose a north- or east-facing wall to avoid harsh sunlight and limit exposure to wind and rain. A slightly sheltered area – perhaps under the eaves or among tree branches – is perfect.


What Size Entrance Hole Do Birds Prefer?

Not all birds like the same type of accommodation. Here’s a quick guide for hole sizes:

  • 32mm hole – perfect for house sparrows, great tits, or pied flycatchers.

  • 25mm hole – ideal for bluetits, coaltits, and similar small birds.


What About Robins and Wrens?

These charming little birds prefer a different setup altogether. They like an open-front birdbox, where the height of the front panel makes all the difference:

  • Wrens: around 140mm panel height.

  • Robins: closer to 100mm front panel height.


These types of boxes should be placed lower than 2 meters, nestled into dense, undisturbed vegetation – think hedgerows or thick shrubs.


A Few Nesting Tips

  • Avoid brightly coloured boxes – predators can spot them too easily. Natural wood or muted greens and browns work best.


  • Keep the inside textured – chicks need a little grip when they’re getting ready to fledge. Completely smooth interiors can make that tricky.


  • Not too deep, not too shallow – very deep boxes are hard for chicks to leave, and very shallow ones carry the risk of accidental tumbles.


What Works Best?

In my opinion, a medium-sized birdbox in a natural colour, with just enough imperfection to feel “real,” is exactly what your garden birds are after. Forget polished finishes – nature prefers rustic charm.


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Image: Erin Wallace

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