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Spring is just around the corner (we can feel it in our bones!), and nothing signals the change of the seasons quite like a nesting bird. These sweet little creatures will soon be flitting about, looking for just the right spot to build their nests and welcome their young, and a birdhouse, or nesting box, as it’s sometimes called, is the perfect way to provide them with a warm, safe shelter from the elements. Not only will it give you a glimpse of the circle of life that typically only occurs in the wild, these miniature dwellings will also make for a lovely decoration for your yard or patio space. We’ve rounded up 12 gorgeous options you can shop right now to get a jumpstart on nature.
How to Pick a Birdhouse
Choosing a birdhouse is about more than selecting the cutest piece for your yard — at least if you want birds to actually use it. According to self-proclaimed animal whisperer Val Heart, there are several important factors to consider in order to attract these little creatures.
For starters, you’ll want to take the material the birdhouse is made out of into account. Since most prefer to nest in the wild, raw materials, such as wood, will be your best bet for getting some wing traffic — even better if it’s disguised under twigs or moss.
You’ll also want to take the type of bird you want to visit your house into consideration. Larger birds, such as robins, phoebes, or barn swallows, won’t fit into the tiny 1-inch holes that are designed for bluebirds, chickadees, and the like.
In addition to size, different birds have different nesting preferences: Birds and Blooms reports that purple martins, for instance, are partial to apartment-style designs, where they can live in communities, while a bluebird will prefer a single-dwelling home. Do your due diligence and research the bird type you hope to attract before busting out the credit card.
Lastly, but certainly not least, ventilation is key to a bird’s comfort level, as they need access to air to keep from feeling stifled.
If you’re all read up on your bird of choice and you’re ready to select its potential new nesting home, you’ve come to the right place. Keep scrolling to see FIRST for Women’s picks for the best birdhouses on the market.
This handmade creation may be on the pricey side, but it’s built to last from season to season thanks to a wood alternative that offers the same aesthetic as the real deal, but with added durability in the form of its weather-resistant vinyl and copper roof. It comes ready to mount with a mounting plate (posts sold separately) and there’s room for up to six birds, each of which will have their own private compartment.
Making for a cute and colorful addition to any home is this sweet painted cottage from Plow & Hearth. With a wood construction and weatherproof resin details (we love the picket fence!), it’s a charming-yet-functional piece: A removable back door makes for easy cleaning while outdoor-safe paint makes it suitable for use outside.
For a birdhouse that will look great all year round, look no further than this Signature Series Windy Ridge model. Small birds, such as wrens, finches, and chickadees, will be cozy as can be in this cabin-like house, which has real pine shingles, a stone chimney, and a removable back wall for cleaning. It’s got proper ventilation, so visitors won’t feel suffocated, and a mounting plate and steel cable are included (posts sold separately).
If it’s a wren or a finch you’re looking to attract, this wood, two-story cottage is the birdhouse for you. It’s made with weather-resistant paint and has a bevy of windows that allow for open air circulation. There’s also a removable clean out panel to keep things sanitary.
For the traditionalists among us, there’s this quaint little flower pot cottage. In addition to all of the expected bells and whistles (removable back walls, airy ventilation, and an included mounting bracket), it’s also highly-detailed with extras, like a trellis that has a climbing plant and a hanging flower pot.
Raw materials are generally preferred by the flying beasts that will be visiting your birdhouse, and this “motel,” which has multiple 1-inch openings, is constructed from solid wood. There's also a removable clean-out panel, a hook with which to hang it from, and ventilation holes for breathing.
“Whimsical” is the only way to describe this hand-painted metal birdhouse from New York artist Macknezie-Childs. Perfect for outdoor use in spring and summer, it will make for an eye-catching place for weary birds to rest their heads, while brightening up your space in the year's later months.
Since birds prefer homes in their natural habitat, this little moss-covered find is a great pick for those who hope to attract a lot of avian traffic. It’s also discreet and unassuming, so as not to clash with your exterior décor. It comes with a heavy-duty chain for hanging.
Crafted with two separate quarters for multiple bird families, this uniquely-shaped Chinese fir wood house will bring plenty of chirpy callers. It’s got an iron roof to protect your feathered friends from the elements, and two access doors you can use to get inside for maintenance.
Where to buy: $14.99 (Originally $29.99), JOANN Fabrics
How adorable is this donut-adorned camper birdhouse? While you’ll want to fill it with something a little more nutritious for your winged friends, you’ll get a kick out of seeing them post up in this wooden house on wheels, which can be hung from your patio or balcony with its included string loop.
Forget the birdhouse — this thing’s a mansion! Detailed with Victorian window boxes, door molding, and multiple roof lines (all of which are crafted from real pine shingles), it's sure to be a gorgeous addition for your backyard — particularly when it’s filled with the wrens, finches, chickadees, and songbirds its 1.25-inch has been designed to attract. The back removes for getting rid of messes and it comes with a mounting bracket.
This hanging birdhouse has a simple-yet-cheery cottage design (complete with a decorative flower box and window trim) and an easy-to-hang brass chain. Red cedar shingles provide a sturdy cover while its pastel yellow hue pays homage to the spring season.
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