When looking to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, using a specialized hummingbird feeder is certainly an effective strategy. However, providing the optimal housing for these tiny birds can further entice them to take up residence and return year after year. The best birdhouse for hummingbirds will cater to their small size and unique needs.
Key Factors to Consider
There are several key factors to keep in mind when selecting or building a hummingbird house:
- Small entry hole – The entry hole should be no larger than 1 1/4 inches in diameter to prevent larger birds from entering.
- Good drainage – Hummingbird houses should have drainage holes in the floor to allow rainwater to pass through and prevent mold growth.
- Sturdy construction – Houses should be made of durable weather-resistant materials and securely mounted in a sheltered location.
- Minimal perching space – Unlike most bird houses, hummingbird houses should not have a perch outside the entry hole, as this can allow predators to reach in.
- Easy access for cleaning – The house should be easy to open for periodic cleaning between nesting seasons.
Top 5 Recommended Hummingbird Houses
Based on the ideal design criteria, here are 5 of the best hummingbird nesting boxes on the market:
1. Nature’s Way Bird Products CWH Hummingbird House
This cedar wood hummingbird home has a 1 1/8 inch opening and a hinged roof panel that makes cleaning easy. It can be hung from a supplied metal hanger or mounted to a pole. The durable cedar construction is weather-resistant and provides good insulation. Drainage holes and ventilation slots allow air circulation. It can be used year after year by hummingbirds.
2. Amish Handcrafted Hummingbird House
Handmade from pine wood by Amish craftsmen, this charming hummingbird house features a pitched shingled roof for rain runoff. The 1 1/4 inch opening has a built-in perch guard above it to deter predators. A side opening allows access for cleaning and monitoring. It comes with a metal hanger for mounting under eaves or on poles.
3. Songbird Essentials SE502 Hummingbird House
This polyresin hummingbird home is durable and weatherproof, designed to resemble a cute cottage. It has convenient side opening panels, built-in perch guard, drainage holes, and grooved edging for climbing. The neutral moss green color helps it blend into its surroundings in the garden.
4. Perky-Pet PP212 Hummingbird Nesting Box
Made in the USA from kiln-dried wood, this sturdy nesting box has a 1 1/4 inch opening and built-in perch guard. The removable sliding side makes monitoring and cleaning easy. It can be hung from the integrated metal hanger or attached to a standard pole mount.
5. Audubon Cedar Bluebird & Hummingbird House
This classic Audubon cedar wood house has a 1 1/4 inch opening specially sized for hummingbirds. The durable cedar construction provides good insulation and is naturally rot and pest resistant. It features convenient side opening panels, built-in drainage holes, and comes with a metal hanger for mounting.
Placement Tips
Proper placement of hummingbird houses can increase your chances of attracting nesting pairs. Here are some tips:
- Mount houses on sturdy poles or under eaves 5-15 feet off the ground.
- Face entry holes north or east away from prevailing winds and afternoon sun.
- Avoid placing near feeders to minimize competition with other hummingbirds.
- Situate houses away from bushes or trees where predators may hide.
- Select sheltered locations protected from bad weather.
Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep hummingbird houses sanitary and inviting for the birds. Follow these guidelines:
- Clean houses with hot water and a weak bleach solution after nesting season ends.
- Make any needed repairs before the next nesting period begins.
- Always check for nests before opening houses during nesting season.
- Avoid disturbance while eggs or young are in the nest.
- Monitor houses for issues like parasite infestations.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Nest
In addition to providing suitable housing, you can increase your odds of hummingbirds nesting on your property by:
- Planting plenty of nectar-rich native flowers and shrubs.
- Providing multiple clean hummingbird feeders.
- Installing a running water feature like a fountain or mister.
- Limiting use of pesticides and herbicides.
- Leaving some dead trees or snags which provide nesting cavities.
With the right birdhouse design catered to their needs, as well as some additional habitat enhancements, hummingbirds may take up residence and reward you with their beauty and fascinating behaviors.
