Birds that use nesting boxes ...

Should you install nesting boxes or bird houses in your back yard?  This all depends on the type of birds that you are trying to attract.  Nesting boxes are used for birds that prefer a single cavity habitat.  Here is a general rundown of birds that prefer nesting boxes over bird houses.

Bluebirds prefer nesting boxes that are mounted on poles three to six feet in height with an entrance that faces an open field.  Flickers prefer boxes with entrances facing southeast.  chickadees prefer boxes filled with wood chips mounted at least five feet off the ground but no more than fifteen feet.  wrens prefer boxes that are placed near shrubby areas.  Purple martins are also birds that use a nestbox.  Designed like condominiums these boxes are often mounted as high as twenty to thirty feet off the ground.

If you are interested in attracting birds that use a nestbox to your backyard, you might to check out the quality nesting boxes offered at the following online sites.

The Bird Shed
Practical nesting boxes for a variety of birds.

Owl nesting boxes