Plans For Building A Purple Martin Bird House

Plans for Building a Purple Martin Bird House

Purple martins are beautiful and beneficial birds that can help control insects in your yard. If you're looking to attract these birds to your property, building a purple martin birdhouse is a great way to do it. Here are some essential aspects to consider when building a purple martin birdhouse:

Size
The size of your birdhouse will depend on the number of martins you want to attract. A single-family birdhouse should be about 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 18 inches high. A multi-family birdhouse can be larger, but it's important to make sure that each compartment is at least 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 6 inches high.

Shape
Purple martins prefer birdhouses that are gourd-shaped or have a similar shape. This type of shape helps to keep the birds warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Entrance Holes
The entrance holes should be about 2 inches in diameter and should be placed about 6 inches above the floor of the birdhouse. Multiple entrance holes should be provided, one for each compartment.

Ventilation
It's important to provide adequate ventilation in your birdhouse to prevent the birds from overheating. Ventilation holes can be placed in the roof or sides of the birdhouse.

Drainage
Drainage holes should be placed in the floor of the birdhouse to allow water to drain out. This will help to keep the birds dry and prevent the birdhouse from rotting.

Materials
The birdhouse can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal. However, it's important to choose a material that is durable and will withstand the elements.

Location
The birdhouse should be placed in a sunny location that is protected from the wind. It should also be placed high enough off the ground to prevent predators from reaching the birds.

By following these essential aspects, you can build a purple martin birdhouse that will attract these beautiful and beneficial birds to your yard.