Small Open-fronted and Small-hole nesting birds
Small open-fronted nestbox
A variety of species may be attracted to an open-fronted nestbox placed in a garden, the commonest of which will be Robin and Wren, although it could also be used by Pied Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher and Black Redstart.
The size and construction is similar to that for a small-hole nestbox, except that the front will be a piece of wood 3.5 x 6 inches. This box too can be made from one 48 inch plank of timber, 6 inches wide, 0.75 inch thick. It is not necessary to hinge the roof as the box can be cleaned through the entrance hole. The floor should have small drainage holes drilled in it.
Nestbox for small hole-nesting birds
Many garden and woodland birds nest in holes and may be attracted to a nestbox. The particular species attracted will depend on its local distribution and population, and on the size of hole provided in the nestbox. An entrance hole of 28 millimetres in diameter will admit Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Tree Sparrow and Pied Flycatcher; whereas a slightly larger hole of 32 millimetres in diameter will also attract House Sparrow, Nuthatch, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
The following design is for a basic small-hole nestbox. The roof should be hinged, for ease of cleaning out, either by a non-ferrous hinge and screws or by a rubber strip. The dimensions are only an approximate guide and are by no means critical; but if they are followed, this box can be made from one 48 inch piece of timber, 6 inches wide, and 0.75 inch thick.
The box may be screwed or nailed together, and small drainage holes should be drilled in the floor.
