Nest box

A nest box, also spelled nestbox, is a man-made enclosure provided for animals to nest in. Nest boxes are most frequently utilized for birds, in which case they are also called birdhouses or a birdbox/bird box, but some mammals such as bats may also use them. Placing nestboxes or roosting boxes may also be used to help maintain populations of particular species in an area.

Nest boxes were used since Roman times to capture birds for meat. The use of nest boxes for other purposes began in the mid-18th century, and naturalist August von Berlepsch was the first to produce nest boxes on a commercial scale.

Nest boxes are getting more attention because increasing industrialization, urban growth, modern construction methods, deforestation and other human activities since the mid-20th century have caused severe declines in birds' natural habitats, introducing hurdles to breeding. Nest boxes can help prevent bird extinction, as it was shown in the case of scarlet macaws in the Peruvian Amazon.

Construction

Nest boxes are usually made from wood, though some birds like the purple martin will use metal ones. They can also be built from a mix of wood and concrete, known as woodcrete. These boxes need to have a sloped roof, a floor that lets water drain, holes for air, and a way to clean them inside. Some even have small cameras to watch the birds!

The size and shape of the entrance hole decide which birds can use the nest box. Small holes attract tiny birds, while bigger holes suit larger ones like ducks or owls. The way the box is placed — its height and direction — also matters, as different birds like different spots. For example, some birds prefer shady spots, while others like sunny places.

Bat boxes look different from bird nest boxes, with a larger opening on the bottom. They help support some bat species, but they need proper placement and care to be effective.

Other animals

Nest boxes are not just for birds; they can also be used by butterflies and mammals like squirrels and opossums. These boxes can serve different purposes depending on the animal, such as providing a place to rest, breed, or even hibernate.

Sometimes, other insects like wasps or bumble-bees might use a nest box meant for another animal, taking it over instead. This can affect which animals are able to use the box.