The birdhouse hole size chart below is meant to be a general guideline of how each species of bird prefer their home. Individual birds may use an entrance hole slightly smaller or larger than the size listed. Buy the next size up if you don’t see one that matches exactly.
All of the birds listed below are cavity nesting birds and will use a gourd for their home if it is positioned and hung properly. Some species don’t like the gourd to swing very much, others like it. If you’re trying to attract the types of birds that don’t like the gourd to swing, use a metal coat hanger or other means to stabilize the gourd on the branch. Many birds also prefer the opening to be away from the prevailing winds. In any event, there is such a shortage of cavities for birds to live in, your finished gourd birdhouse and should be filled in no time. Gourds hung in early spring usually get filled by a new family by breeding time in late spring and early summer. Read about the shortage for cavity nesting birds.
Bird Species | Diameter of Hole | Height above Ground |
(inches) | (feet) | |
Bluebird | 1-1/2″ | 5-10 |
Chickadee | 1-1/8″ | 6-15 |
Titmouse | 1-1/4″ | 6-15 |
Nuthatch | 1″ – 1-1/4″ | 6-10 |
Bewick’s Wren | 1-1/4″ | 6-10 |
Carolina Wren | 1-1/2″ | 6-10 |
Swallow | 1-1/2″ | 10-15 |
Downy Woodpecker | 1-1/4″ | 6-20 |
Hairy Woodpecker | 1-1/2″ | 12-20 |
Purple Martin | special crescent | 12-20 |
Crested Flycatcher | 2″ | 8-20 |
Flicker | 2-1/2″ | 6-20 |
Red-Headed Woodpecker | 2″ | 12-20 |
Barn Swallow | OPEN SIDES | 8-12 |
Phoebe | OPEN SIDES | 8-12 |
Robin | OPEN SIDES | 6-15 |
Robins, Phoebes, and Barn Swallows prefer open sides on their homes so they can see out in many directions. For these species, use one of our gourd nest boxes. Use our gourd birdhouse instructions and ideas to make your home a welcoming destination for your favorite birds. It’s so much fun to set up a colony of birdhouses and watch the birds form their own community in your back yard. When you buy dried gourds or finished birdhouses from us it is the start of a new project and a new hobby that is fun for the whole family.
Our Birdhouses with a 1-1/2″ Hole:
(for smaller to medium birds)
-
Welcome Sunflower Birdhouse
Welcome your friends with this hand painted birdhouse. 8″ dia. gourd with hand painted sunflower. Sealed for outdoor use. Ready to hand with leather strap.
-
Unfinished 9″ Gourd Birdhouse 1.5″ Hole
Great unfinished birdhouse made out of a 9″ diameter kettle gourd with a 1.5″ hole drilled
-
Gourd Birdhouse (medium) 1-1/2″ hole – Green
For some wrens, titmouses, nuthatches, and more. Measures about 8-9″ diameter and about 10-11″ tall and comes with 1.5″ hole.
-
Gourd Birdhouse (medium) 1-1/2″ hole – Clear
Gourd Birdhouse for bluebirds, carolina wrens, swallows, hairy woodpeckers, and more. About 8″ – 9″ diameter, 10-11″ tall, 1-1/2″ entrance hole. Clear finish and sealed for outdoor use.
-
Gourd Birdhouse (medium) 1-1/2″ hole – saddle tan
For some wrens, titmouses, nuthatches, and more. About 8″ – 9″ diameter, 10-11″ tall and has a 1.5″ hole.
-
Gourd Birdhouse (medium) 1-1/2″ hole – red
For some wrens, titmouses, nuthatches, and more. About 8-9″ diameter and 10-11″ tall. Hole is 1.5″ wide
-
Gourd Birdhouse (medium) 1-1/2″ hole – Mahogany
Natural Gourd Birdhouse, Mahogany color. Entrance Hole is 1-1/2″. Gourd is 8-9″ in diameter and around 10-11 inches tall.
Our Birdhouses with a 2″ Hole:
(for larger birds)
-
Unfinished 9″ Gourd Birdhouse 2″ Hole
Great unfinished birdhouse made out of a 9″ diameter kettle gourd with a 2″ hole drilled