How to Build a Birdhouse for House Finches

House finches are small, social birds that like to nest in the eaves and sills of houses as well as tree hollows. House finches will nest in birdhouses much the same as they will nest in any protected hollow, but when you provide a birdhouse, you get to choose a setting that's good for the birds, but also for you--one that allows you to watch and enjoy the comings and goings of these friendly house guests.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 wood slabs, 6 by 6 by ¼ inch
  • 4 wood slabs, 6 by 8 by ¼ inch
  • Aluminum nails
  • Hammer
  • 2 Hinges
  • Clasp
  • Scroll saw
  • Wood glue
  • Band clamp
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut an arched window with a flat bottom in one of the four wooden slabs using the scroll saw. The window should be around 4 inches from the bottom of the slab, and be about 2 inches high and wide for house finches.

    • 2

      Place a line of glue along the edges of the four slabs that are 8 inches high. Arrange them in a box shape, then clamp them together with the band clamp. Let dry.

    • 3

      Nail the box together after the glue is dry, but before you take the band clamp off. Take the band clamp off after nailing the box.

    • 4

      Nail one of the 6 by 6 inch slabs onto the bottom of the box---this should be the side that the window is 4 inches away from.

    • 5

      Drill around six small holes in the bottom for drainage, should any moisture get inside.

    • 6

      Attach the hinges to the box, and then to the remaining 6 by 6 inch piece of wood with nails. This is for the roof of the birdhouse. Attach the clasp on the side of the box and the roof, to ensure the box stays closed.

    • 7

      Drill four holes in the top of each side of the box for ventilation.

    • 8

      Sand the box thoroughly, paying particular attention to the window and the floor, where the birds will most often sit.

    • 9

      Place the birdhouse in a shaded location, somewhere that you don't frequent often, but is visible, around 8 feet off the ground. If you are attaching it to a tree, open the hinged roof, and hammer a number of nails through the back of the bird house into the tree---the birdhouse must be very secure; you don't want it to fall when there's a nest inside.