Hang birdhouses before your earliest local nesters start scouting, and keep them up so birds can claim them as breeding begins.
Is your yard still quiet while neighbors spot birds checking every nook, and you are wondering if you already missed the window? Some familiar backyard birds start in midwinter while others keep nesting into late summer, so timing really does shift by species. You will get a clear timeline and practical placement steps so birds can find your house when it matters most.
The Seasonal Clock Birds Follow
Day length cues breeding readiness, and the nesting cycle tied to light and peak food explains why the start date can slide earlier or later from year to year. A calm dawn walk often reveals singing males and territorial chases well before eggs appear, which is your clue that scouting has begun.
The nesting season overview chart for common species shows just how wide the window can be, from Western Screech-Owl courtship in January and February to American Robin nesting that can run from early May into late August. It also defines clutch size as the number of eggs per nest, incubation period as the days eggs are warmed before hatching, and nesting period as the time young remain in the nest after hatching. If a species has a 12-day incubation and a 12-day nesting period, plan on about 24 days of extra quiet around that box.
When to Hang: A Timeline That Works for Most Yards
Start earlier than you think
Conservation guidance recommends you install in fall or winter so birds can locate boxes before breeding begins. A box that weathers a few winter storms often looks and smells like part of the landscape by late winter, which can make it feel safe to early scouts.
If spring is your only window
Extension guidance notes a mid- to late March setup can still work and may even support a second brood. If your target birds typically show up in late March, hanging the box a week or two earlier gives them a fair scouting window without a last-minute scramble.
Local climate can move the goalposts
Regional wildlife reporting notes that Anna's Hummingbird nesting can begin in late December, with some raptors refurbishing nests in December and January, and wet years can stretch the season. In a mild coastal yard, waiting until March could already be late for hummingbirds, which is why a late-winter install is a safe default if you do not know your species mix yet.
Placement That Birds Actually Accept
Know who uses boxes
Cavity nesters are birds that use holes in wood to raise young, and guidance notes they depend on wood houses with species-appropriate openings because wood breathes and reduces heat and moisture buildup. A simple cedar box in dappled shade tends to outperform a decorative metal house in full sun, since metal and plastic can overheat and stress chicks.
Right size, right spacing
Guidance recommends untreated wood boxes with ventilation and drainage holes, entrance sizes that discourage invasive starlings and house sparrows, and a hinged side for cleaning. The same guidance suggests at least 5 ft of height for most species and about 25 ft between boxes to reduce territorial conflict. Two boxes set about 25 ft apart along a garden edge often create options without forcing close neighbors.
Height and stability
A home-and-garden source lists typical mounting heights such as bluebirds at 4 to 6 ft, wrens and chickadees at 5 to 10 ft, and purple martins at 10 to 15 ft. If you want bluebirds, a 5-ft post in an open patch is a practical target and still easy to clean.
Species |
Typical mounting height |
Bluebird |
4 to 6 ft |
Wren |
5 to 10 ft |
Chickadee |
5 to 10 ft |
Purple martin |
10 to 15 ft |
Field guidance advises avoiding hanging houses because sway discourages birds and recommends facing entrances away from prevailing spring winds. A pole-mounted box that barely moves in a gust feels safer than one swinging from a branch, and it helps keep rain from blowing into the entrance.
If you must mount to a tree, guidance warns that nails can damage the tree's growth layer and suggests straps or protected hangers instead. A simple habit of loosening or adjusting straps each year prevents the tree from being girdled as it grows.
Nesting Season Etiquette Around Your House
Wildlife safety guidance notes that dive-bombing and warning calls are common defense behaviors during nesting, and the best response is to give birds space. If a bird repeatedly swoops while you weed a bed, back away, mark the area in your mind, and circle around later.
The nesting chart for backyard species shows activity from February through August, so avoid heavy pruning or shrub removal then, especially during peak spring weeks. Planning big hedge work for late fall or winter helps you steer clear of the busiest weeks without giving up your garden projects.
Conservation guidance advises watching from about 50 ft for adults carrying food or scolding before starting any unavoidable work, and it emphasizes that active nests should not be disturbed. In California, nesting season can run March through early September, so that kind of quiet observation can prevent accidental harm and keep you on the right side of wildlife protections.
Stewardship After the First Egg
Extension guidance recommends removing old nests and debris in early March because many species avoid used nests and rodents can overwinter in boxes. A quick cleanout at that time resets the house for spring without interrupting active nests.
A home-and-garden source notes that leaving boxes up through fall and winter can provide roosting shelter and makes seasonal monitoring easier, but it also means you should check for storm damage and keep entrances clear. The tradeoff is worth it for most yards because early scouts find a ready-made home instead of an empty post.
A well-timed birdhouse is a quiet invitation, not a rush. Hang it early, keep it steady and safe, and let the nesting season unfold with the kind of close-up wonder that makes backyard birding feel like a daily discovery.
