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Do birds actually use birdhouse gourds?
Birds Living in Gourds
- Chickadees, House Sparrows, Bluebirds, Purple Martins, Swallows, and some species of Finches are all examples of birds that live in gourds.
Gourds for Birdhouses
- The size of the hole in a gourd birdhouse should be between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cavity nesters like wrens, chickadees, woodpeckers, house sparrows, bluebirds, and finches will use a gourd.
- The aggressive house sparrow does not prefer gourd houses. With bluebirds recovering from near extinction, humans assist them which has increased dislike of house sparrows.
What birds like gourd houses?
Birds Attracted to Gourd Houses
- Chickadees, House Sparrows, Bluebirds, Purple Martins, Swallows, and some species of Finches are all examples of birds that live in gourds.
- The hole should be between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches in diameter. This allows for bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and other birds to make use of the birdhouse.
- Cavity nesters like wrens, chickadees, woodpeckers, house sparrows, bluebirds, and finches will use a gourd.
Suitable Gourd Sizes and Maintenance
- Kettle gourds 6-8 inches in diameter work for wrens, chickadees, and small birds. For purple martins, 9-10 inch kettle gourds work.
- To attract purple martins, provide appropriate gourd houses and proper nesting materials like twigs, grass, and leaves.
- Gourds should be gently cleaned with mild soap, thoroughly rinsed, then sprayed with sealant to preserve them.
- Another popular style is the wren house. Gourds serve as both nesting sites and feeders outside nesting season.
