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The little bird that speaks his name and does acrobatic stunts on tree branches delights all bird watchers. This plump little fellow with the black cap is friendly, and chances are he’s been at your feeder in the winter.
Chickadees look for tree holes, either natural or made by woodpeckers, for their nests. But if a tree is sufficiently soft or rotten, they may make their own holes. A dead birch tree, which is rotten in the center, is an ideal place for a chickadee nest.
Four species of chickadee may be found in nesting boxes. The Black-capped Chickadee or Poecile atricapilla lives in all northern and most middle states as well as in most of Canada. Its black cap and bib, and white cheeks identify it, as does its chick-a-dee-dee-dee call. The Carolina Chickadee orPoecile carolinensis, which looks almost the same, lives in the southeast quarter of the US and has a slightly higher, faster version of the call.
The Mountain Chickadee or Poecile gambeli has a white eyebrow through its black cap and lives in and west of the Rocky Mountains, where he calls chick-adee-adee-adee. The Chestnut-backed Chickadee has a chestnut-brown back and a brown cap and lives in the northwest and along the California coast. His call is more of a tseek-a-dee-dee.
The Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees like mixed forests, open woodlands and suburban areas, while their western cousins prefer coniferous forests.
Chickadee belong to the titmouse family. They are largely an insect eaters, but in winter they may depend greatly on seeds and berries. They are adept at foraging for insect eggs and larvae from twigs and bark, and this accounts for their active hopping and climbing around on trees to spot their food from all angles! Their favorite foods at feeders are sunflower seeds, peanut kernels, other nutmeats, peanut butter, and suet.
In the non-breeding season chickadees tend to flock together, and sometimes the flock may even include titmice, kinglets, nuthatches, and other birds. During breeding season, the males will drive others out of their territories, so you may have only one pair of chickadees in your yard, where you may have had a flock all winter.
From the beginning of courtship through the period of egg incubation, the male chickadee feeds the female. They typically raise one or two broods a year of 6 to 8 young and are year-round residents.
Since chickadees’ natural means of nesting is to excavate a hole in a rotting tree, you may make your nest box more attractive to them by putting a little sawdust or wood chips inside it for them. They will not use it for nesting, but since they usually work in pairs to carry a little sawdust away from the hole they are making in a tree, they will perceive that this hole in a tree is appropriate for them, and they will carry the sawdust away before nesting there.
Chickadees move to denser woods for breeding and nesting, but the rest of the year they like open areas and forest edges.
When building or buying a birdhouse for use outside by bluebirds or any other wild bird species you should follow the following guidelines.
* NO PERCH
Perches can invite species such as House Sparrows that will take over the nest from hole nesting birds. If you look at the holes in trees which birds use for their houses they do not have perches, so don’t put them on man made bird houses.
* Two Inch Over Hang
With a good overhang above the entrance it will provide the interior of the bird house with protection from driving rain and prevent cats, squirrels from reaching inside the house. A slate guard (as shown in the pictures) is also a good idea to keep predators out.
* Wood is the best material for birdhouses
Eastern Pine is a great wood for birdhouses. Never use pressure treated wood for your birdhouse because the treatment gives off poisonous vapors which will endanger your birds. Use paint or stains on the outside of your birdhouses and especially the back. Don’t use paint or stain inside.
* Birdhouse entrance
Hole size and shape can determine the type of bird that can enter your bird house. Bird house entrances for bluebird should be 1-1/2 inch in size.
Flying around all day is hard work; why not treat your feathered friends to a stylish stopover’ This roomy roadhouse country decorative birdhouse offers plenty of perches for tiny tired travelers to get a good night’s rest.
Made of wood 9 7/8″ x 10″ high.
Jaunty stars-and-stripes birdhouse is a whimsical display of old-fashioned country style patriotism, and a ready-made village for a whole host of your favorite feathered friends! Eight separate openings provide cozy shelter for a wide variety of birds; sturdy stand lets you place this darling decorative birdhouse anywhere.
Whether or not you choose a decorate birdhouse or a hanging wren bird house really doesn’t matter. I don’t think the birds really care. They’re more concerned about getting in out of the weather. The bird houses offer them a place to rest, build a nest, or shelter them from the wind, rain, heat or cold.
Having bird houses also offer you the opportunity to learn more about the bird. Their habits, nesting routines and rituals, mating practices, their singing etc. This is a good pastime/hobby for you, your children and/or grandchildren.
When you think of recycling, what do you think of? Paper, glass, plastic?, how about barns? Yes, recycling is really a big deal these days. Well I found some birdhouses that are made from barnwood. Tearing done an old barn and reusing the wood to make barnwood birdhouses. Pretty unique idea don’t you think?
This two story rustic birdhouse is a unique approach to a unique corner location. Measuring a staggering 18″ tall and 10″ long and wide, this house is the perfect addition to your rustic garden decor. The bird home features three separate holes; each hole is approximately 1.5″ in diameter and the top one goes through to the main dwelling. These beautiful two-story bird houses are also available in a variety of colors (only the main dwelling is painted),and feature square cut barnwood perches and a removable base for seasonal cleaning.
Today is such a warm humid day that I think I’ll just hang out at the beach. Maybe I’ll be able to find some friends hanging around the Surf Shack.
The surf’s always up at this happy little shack! Captivatingly cute birdhouse brings the beach to you and provides a cozy shelter for a crew of birdy beach combers. Witty touches include miniature surfboards, hand-painted signs, and even an island-style thatched roof.
Check out this neat little birdhouse! Makes you wish you had one designed like this in a wooded setting. This two story rustic birdhouse is a unique approach to a corner location. Measuring a staggering 18 in tall and 10 in long and wide, this house is the perfect addition to your rustic garden decor. The bird home features three separate holes; each hole is approximately 1.5 in in diameter and the top one goes through to the main dwelling. These beautiful two-story bird houses are also available in a variety of colors (only the main dwelling is painted),and feature square cut barnwood perches and a removable base for seasonal cleaning.
I’ve been wanting to get some new birdhouses for our property. We live on a farm so some areas are “wild” while other areas are developed. My husband has always liked to feed the birds, while I enjoy watching and listening.
While searching the internet I found some really great birdhouses that fall into both categories: decorative and wild. I really liked this one, and I hope my grandchildren will also. Do you think it will frighten the birds?
Who could resist moving into this quaint birdhouse. This beautiful handcrafted ceramic birdhouse will complement any garden or porch.
It is so cute you may not want to put it outside for the birds. In that case it would be great to use as home decor.