Nest Box Plans by Species
Species-specific plans with exact dimensions, materials lists, and placement guidance. Free downloadable PDFs for every species.
Choose your species
The right box for the right bird
Every cavity-nesting species has different requirements for entrance hole size, interior dimensions, and mounting height. Choosing the correct design dramatically increases the chances of successful nesting and keeps occupants safe from predators.
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Pick the right plan in 3 steps
American Kestrel
- Entrance: 3 inches (76 mm)
- Mount: 10-20 feet (3.0-6.1 m) above ground
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Barred Owl
- Entrance: 7 x 7 inches (178 x 178 mm) square opening
- Mount: 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) above ground
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Black-capped Chickadee
- Entrance: 1.125 inches (29 mm)
- Mount: 4-10 feet (1.2-3.0 m) above ground
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Carolina Wren
- Entrance: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
- Mount: 5-10 feet (1.5-3.0 m) above ground
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Eastern Bluebird
- Entrance: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
- Mount: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) above ground
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Eastern Screech-Owl
- Entrance: 3 inches (76 mm)
- Mount: 10-20 feet (3-6 m) above ground
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Little Brown Bat
- Entrance: 0.75 inch (19 mm) bottom slot
- Mount: 12-20 feet (3.6-6.1 m) above ground
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Northern Flicker
- Entrance: 2.5 inches (64 mm)
- Mount: 6-20 feet (1.8-6 m) above ground
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Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Entrance: 3 inches (76 mm)
- Mount: 10-20 feet (3-6 m) above ground
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Pileated Woodpecker
- Entrance: 4 inches (102 mm)
- Mount: 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) above ground
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Prothonotary Warbler
- Entrance: 1.25 inches (32 mm)
- Mount: 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 m) above water or damp ground
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Southern Flying Squirrel
- Entrance: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
- Mount: 10-20 feet (3-6 m) above ground
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Tree Swallow
- Entrance: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
- Mount: 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) above ground
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Tufted Titmouse
- Entrance: 1.25 inches (32 mm)
- Mount: 5-15 feet (1.5-4.5 m) above ground
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White-breasted Nuthatch
- Entrance: 1.25 inches (32 mm)
- Mount: 12-20 feet (3.7-6.1 m) above ground
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Wood Duck
- Entrance: 3 x 4 inch (76 x 102 mm) oval
- Mount: 6-20 feet (1.8-6.1 m) above water or ground
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Wood Thrush
- Entrance: Open Front (approx. 7.25 inches or 184 mm wide)
- Mount: 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 m) above ground
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Want to see what happens inside?
Add a gentle camera to your nesting box and follow the entire nesting journey — from the first twig to the day they fledge, with AI-narrated Field Notes of every visit.