Three Woodpecker House

Every specification of this nest box, including the slate predator guard, was designed for 3 distinct woodpecker species: hairy, red-headed, and red-bellied. These species are prone to use man-made nest boxes; this house gives them generous floor space and height - and everything else they need for both nesting and roosting.

Constructed of 1" thick kiln-dried Eastern white pine, this nest box amply insulates birds against the heat of summer and the cold of winter. It even includes bagged wood chips, commonly present in tree cavities these woodpeckers use for nesting. Just sprinkle them in the floor of the box after mounting. The 2-1/4" opening hole is protected by a slate predator guard and generous roof overhang. The slate guard helps prevent any enlargement of the hole due to pecking.

Rough-sawn panels give baby birds a footing as they climb out of the nest. Slits at the top of the sides and corners of the floor ensure proper air exchange. The bottom slits also allow proper drainage. No paints or stains are used on this box, so in time the pine will weather to a gray that blends in well with natural surroundings. 7-1/2" x 9-1/4" x 17-1/2" high.

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Please click on "More Information" for mounting instructions and tips on attracting woodpeckers.

The woodpecker house should be located between 6 ft and 20 ft above the ground, preferably in the woods or at the edge of woods. In an area where starlings are plentiful, you may want to set up several houses so they can have their own and leave the woodpeckers alone.

Attracting Woodpeckers Red-headed, red-bellied, and hairy woodpeckers will come to backyard feeders for suet, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, fruit, peanuts, peanut butter, and breads such as cornbread. They also are reported to use nesting boxes as winter roosting places in colder weather, even if they do not nest in them, so it is good to put up a nesting box even in the fall.

One of the best things you can do for woodpeckers as well as many other species of birds is to avoid cutting down old, dead trees. These dead trees provide insects and nesting spots for birds. Woodpeckers do not excavate live wood, and all other cavity-nesting birds depend on woodpeckers to make nesting holes for them. After woodpeckers have moved onto a new site, other birds use the old nesting site. So you will be providing living quarters for many little creatures by leaving dead trees on your property, when safe to do so.