The vast majority of nesting boxes in the state of Georgia are erected to help alleviate the shortage of bluebird nesting sites.  While it goes without question that bluebirds need places to nest, all of the other cavity-nesting birds that nest in the Peach State also have a difficult time finding places to nest.  With that in mind, why not put up a box designed for brown-headed nuthatches?

       While it is true that brown-headed nuthatches will nest in bluebird boxes, the reason more do not do so is often bluebird boxes are placed in wide-open yards, along the edges of fields and the like. Such sites are great for bluebirds but not nuthatches. These tiny birds prefer to nest in more wooded areas.

       In backyard settings, boxes should be placed in yards with open mixed or pine trees. Erect only one box per six acres. While the birds will nest within a minimum of five feet of the ground, boxes placed higher are sometimes more successful. Although brown-headed nuthatches will enter boxes equipped with 1.5-inch holes, the hole size recommend for Georgia’s smallest cavity nesting bird is only 1,”

       It has been reported that placing a couple of inches of sawdust in the box will help entice a pair of brown-headed nuthatches to your box.  If you do so and later find that it is damp, remove it.

       For a set of brown-headed nuthatch nesting box plans, contact Melissa Hayes at melissa.hayes@dnr.ga.gov

       If you would like to earn certification for your efforts to provide nest boxes for cavity-nesting birds, request an application for Community Wildlife Project’s Nesting/Roosting Box certification component.  Certification is earned by those individuals that provide nesting boxes for Georgia wildlife.

       The Community Wildlife Project is sponsored by the Garden Club of Georgia, The Georgia Wildlife Conservation Section and The Environmental Resources Network (TERN).