Do Birds Use Birdhouses in Winter?
Yes, they absolutely do! While many people think of birdhouses only for spring nesting, they provide life-saving shelter during harsh winter nights. But birds use them differently in winter, and a few simple changes can turn your birdhouse into a cozy, 5-star winter resort.
Nesting vs. Roosting: A Tale of Two Seasons
In spring and summer, a birdhouse is a nesting box—a nursery for raising young. In fall and winter, it becomes a roosting box—a communal shelter where birds huddle together to conserve body heat and survive dangerously low temperatures.
Who’s Seeking Shelter? The Winter Residents
The primary users of winter roosting boxes are small, non-migratory cavity-nesting birds. These hardy residents need a safe place to escape the wind, snow, and cold. Look for these birds to be your most frequent winter guests:
Bluebirds
Entire families will huddle together for warmth.
Chickadees & Titmice
These energetic acrobats frequent roosting boxes.
Wrens
Known for packing into small spaces in large numbers.
Nuthatches & Downy Woodpeckers
These clinging birds will also seek refuge from the cold.
The Winter Renovation: From Nest Box to Roost Box
A few small changes can make a world of difference in your birdhouse’s ability to retain heat and provide shelter. Drag the slider on the image below to see the transformation.
How to Winterize Your Birdhouse: 4 Easy Steps
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Clean It Out Thoroughly
Remove all old nesting material from the summer. This material can harbor parasites and bacteria. A clean box is a healthy box.
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Make Repairs & Seal Gaps
Check for and repair any cracks or leaks in the roof and walls. Temporarily plug the summer ventilation holes to trap more heat inside. A small piece of tape or a plug of wood will do.
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Add Interior Perches
Install small dowels or twigs crisscrossing the inside of the box. This gives birds more surface area to perch on, allowing more birds to huddle together without piling on top of each other.
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Turn the Entrance Down (Pro-Tip!)
Since heat rises, an entrance hole at the top of the box lets all the warmth escape. Some birdhouses are designed so you can flip the front panel upside down, moving the entrance to the bottom for winter. This traps heat much more effectively!
Remember: Also provide high-energy food like suet and a source of fresh water (a heated birdbath is fantastic) to give your winter residents the best chance of survival.