Birds only nest during spring and summertheir breeding season. But during the rest of the year, cavity-nesting birds often use these same boxes for shelter at night, particularly in winter. Sometimes more than a dozen birds will pile into a single box to conserve heat. But nest boxes are far from ideal for overnight roosting (see Will Birds Use Nest Boxes To Roost In For Warmth During The Winter?). They are usually too small for a group. Plus most birds need to perch or cling while roosting, but nest boxes have no perching surfaces inside.
You can help your backyard birds keep warm overnight with a specially designed roost box. Any backyard favorites that typically nest in boxesbluebirds, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and small woodpeckersmay seek refuge in it.
Roosting boxes differ from nest boxes in several ways. A good roost box is designed to prevent the birds body heat from escaping, so, unlike a nest box, it has fewer ventilation holes. Also, its entrance hole is near the bottom of the box so the rising warmth doesnt escape.
Inside a roost box there may be several perches made from small wooden dowels, staggered at different levels. The inside front and rear walls may be roughened, scored, or covered with hardware cloth so that woodpeckers can cling to them. A hinged top allows easy access so you can clean the box.
An entrance hole about 2 inches in diameter will admit most small birds, but to exclude aggressive starlings reduce the opening to about 1 1/2 inches. Larger woodland birds, such as flickers and screech-owls, need a 3-inch entrance hole.
Mount your roost box on a metal pole or a wooden post, and attach a metal baffle below the box to keep predators out. Place the box in a sheltered spot, out of prevailing winds. South-facing boxes receive the most warmth from the winter sun.
Roost boxes can be purchased from various manufacturers. Look for them anywhere nest boxes and bird feeders are sold. And check out the links below for roost box building plans if you want to build your own.
Where to position a roosting pocket?
The primary function of a pocket is to offer comfortable places to roost. Away from the dominant wind to provide protection from inclement weather and potential threats Consideration should be given to each of these elements when determining the location of a roosting nest pocket. Birds will be more drawn to a pocket that stays warm for a while in the early evening and night. Making sure the pocket receives some sunlight during the day, especially in the late afternoon, will help achieve this. Additionally, facing south will allow the entrance hole to let in more heat into the pocket.
The majority of roosting pockets are best found in plants or foliage. This will provide more protection from the weather and evoke the atmosphere of many birds’ natural roosting places. This prevents the roosting nest pocket from moving in an unintentional manner. If it is visible or suspended from a tree or post When winds are strong, the swaying motion can truly discourage birds that are searching for a comfortable place to spend the night.
How to attach your roosting pocket
Wildlife World sells roosting nest pockets that are constructed with a robust inner frame. To further support the natural, often brushwood, covering. When Roosting Nest Pockets are attached to trees or other vegetation, their structural stability is guaranteed. In many designs roosting nest pockets have integral fixing loops. in order for the pocket to be effortlessly tied into appropriate plants or foliage In an ideal world, pockets would be firmly fastened with screws or fastened to a surface like a wall, fence, tree trunk, or bush.
As previously stated, attempt to prevent hanging roosting pockets because the wind will cause them to swing. Consequently, deterring any birds in search of a place to roost It is always possible to distribute a few distinct pockets throughout your garden in a variety of locations. experimenting to see what works best and luring different species to settle there
All About Birds is a free resource
Available for everyone, funded by donors like you
American Kestrel by Blair Dudeck / Macaulay Library Search for species name or keywords
Or Browse Bird Guide by Family or Shape
Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin
FAQ
Do birds actually use roosting pockets?
What birds use roosting boxes?
What is a roosting pouch?