Birds fight for birdhouses because there are not enough cavities suitable for cavity-nesting birds. Several studies have found that the primary reason birds fight for cavities, including birdhouses, is habitat loss, resulting in fewer trees and snags for woodpeckers to excavate cavities and other natural cavities to form. Removing dead or decaying trees worsens the […]
We enjoy watching birds build nests and raising their young in our birdhouse aks nest boxes. Nature, however, can be harsh. Competition between cavity-nesting birds can result in physical fights, egg destruction, and the death of the young. Nest boxes are in high demand because nesting cavities are scarce. In addition, the populations of the
The Carolina chickadee is a bird of the eastern deciduous forests in the U.S. Carolina chickadees are ubiquitous and rather vocal in suitable habitats, announcing their presence throughout the day. Like other chickadees, they establish and defend a breeding territory, but they form flocks composed of 2 to 8 chickadees during the winter months. Other
The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a bird of deciduous woodlands in the eastern United States. Many people are familiar with titmice’s loud and stereotypical calls throughout the day, but most don’t know what bird makes them. Titmice are closely related to chickadees and also nest in natural and manmade nesting cavities. This article is
The great crested flycatcher (Myiorchus citritus) is a common summer breeder in the eastern U.S. While being rather vocal and easy to hear, seeing one may pose a challenge due to its habits of remaining inside trees. The great crested flycatcher is an obligate cavity nester famous for using shed snakeskin in its nests. This
In 1890, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was introduced to the United States. About 130 years later, the starling is one of the most abundant birds in North America. The starling’s success has come, in part, at the expense of cavity-nesting native birds that compete with the more aggressive starlings for nesting sites. This article
Carolina wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) are familiar birds not because they are abundant but because they are vocal and have a loud, melodious song. They can be found anywhere there is a patch of vegetation and forage for food in people’s yards, patios, and inside sheds and garages. Coraline wrens usually nest in hanging boots, open
A lack of nesting sites limited the number of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). When people noticed that they breed successfully in nesting boxes, tree swallows’ small populations in parts of its range tripled in numbers. Tree swallows breeding in nesting boxes are known to raise larger broods than those nesting in abandoned woodpecker cavities and
A great singer, the house wren is widespread in North America and South America, reaching the tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina and Chile. A breeder in the upper two-thirds of North America, the house wren is feisty and aggressive not only to other house wrens but also to other bird species, even those
The house sparrow is one of America’s most ubiquitous birds. Introduced from Europe starting in 1851, this sparrow has expanded widely. House sparrows primarily nest in cavities but are flexible and can nest in anything that resembles an enclosure, dense vines, and trees. They are aggressive and are known to displace native cavity-nesting birds. This article
