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7 Best Bird Houses For Your Backyard (Quality Picks)

Written by Garrett Hayes

Last updated on Feb 23rd, 2024
A bird perched on a wooden birdhouse

Picking a bird house might seem like an easy task until you take a look online and notice just how many options there are...

What’s more:

Your choice of bird house could make the difference between a vacant garden and a daily array of bird watching opportunities.

To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the best bird houses for sale, including of course, my top favorite, the Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House. On top of that, you’ll find options for budget buyers as well as diverse picks to suit any garden landscape.

Product Details
1. Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House

Ornithological Design

  • Kiln-Dried, Red Cedar
  • Variety Of Birds
  • Weather Resistant
  • Cost-Effective
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2. Wood Smith Bird House

Rustic Red Cedar

  • Easy-Open Door
  • Ventilated Base
  • Weather Resistant
  • Not Ideal For Bluebirds
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3. CARTMAN Colored Country Cottages

Unique Design

  • Easy Clean Up
  • Sliding Back Door
  • Not Weatherproof
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4. Perky Pet Wren Home

Quirky Design

  • Dutch Roof
  • Repels Bugs
  • Weather Resistant
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5. Audubon Coppertop Bluebird House

Nifty Design

  • Has Predator Guard
  • Copper Top Roof
  • Weather Resistant
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6. Birds Choice  Purple Martin House

Multi-Storied

  • Comes In Sizes
  • Made Of Aluminum
  • Pricey
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7. Toysmith Build A Birdhouse Building Kit

Fun To Build

  • Attracts Small Birds
  • Comes With Paint
  • Average Quality
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Top 7 Best Quality Bird Houses Reviewed

1. Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House

Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House - Model BB1Despite the name, the Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House is a high-quality bird house is ideal for attracting more than just bluebirds. The ornithological design plays a big part in attracting bluebirds in particular but the size of this bird house makes it desirable for many species.

The one 1.5-inch hole is made to attract eastern bluebirds which means you’ll be privy to some pretty rare bird spotting opportunities! I know that the best thing about a bird house is the rare birds I can see which wouldn’t otherwise choose to nest in my garden. 

What’s more:

You’ll get a wide variety of birds with this product which is why it is the best bird house overall.

Made to last, this bird home is constructed from reforested, kiln-dried, inland red cedar which works to repel insects and keep its inhabitants warm and safe. If that wasn’t enough, the material is also water resistant, keeping birds dry during rainy seasons.

Another great feature of this bird house is that it is easy to clean thanks to the opening flap at the front. Cleaning your bird house is the best way to attract new birds each season and having one which is so easy to clean makes the job a lot more quick and enjoyable.

Finally, this bird house is very cost effective, so we can’t see any reason why not to invest in one. The only complaints customers have had is that it doesn’t come with a predator guard but you can easily buy a squirrel baffle separately.

Pros:

  • Ideal for bluebirds
  • Easy to clean
  • Made from durable, reforested red cedar
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • No predator guard

This is the best overall bird house because of the range of birds it attracts and the simple functional design. If you are looking for the simplest and most recommended option, this is the choice for you.

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2. Wood Smith Bird House

Bird House - Bluebird, Finch, Wren, Chickadee, Tree Swallow Bird, Wild Birds, Even a Woody Woodpecker House. Made in USA from All Natural Western Red Cedar. Add Some Life to Your Yard Today!

You know this Wood Smith Bird House is a quality bird house because it is hand-made from natural rustic red cedar making it the best bird house if you are looking for all-natural craftsmanship. The wood also doesn’t need any treatment because it isn’t made with preservative or finishes. 

Again, this bird house features an easy opening door so you can reach inside and clean it out between seasons. It is weather resistant and can handle more challenging climates so even if you get a lot of wind and rain you can rest assured that your bird house will still be standing. In addition, there is a drain at the base which helps to maintain a well-ventilated interior environment.

It gets better:

This is also a great option for attracting a variety of birds as it isn’t designed to attract any one species in particular. The entrance hole is 1½ inches wide which will suit most garden visitors including finches, chickadees and woodpeckers. 

Making this an even better deal for a very affordable price, it comes with mounting hardware and sturdy weatherproof screws. It is also super easy to install. The only problem is some customers have found that the cedar wood is not so favorable with bluebirds so you might not get many of them frequenting this bird house.

Pros:

  • Handmade with natural red cedar
  • No preservatives or finishes
  • Attracts a variety of birds
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Not the best option for bluebirds

This bird house is a great choice if all-natural material is important to you but not the best for bluebird enthusiasts as this particular species doesn't always appreciate the material.

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3. CARTMAN Colored Country Cottages Bird House

CARTMAN Colored Country Cottages Bird House (Farmhouse)

A very popular design and super affordable, CARTMAN Colored Country Cottages Bird House certainly brings some originality to any garden and will catch the eye of more than just the birds when you have friends over.

Made from wood and metal, the brightly colored design is durable and functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Instead of opening at the front like other birdhouses, this option has a sliding door on the back for cleaning so the beautiful design isn’t ruined by hinges.

If you are looking for a subtle bird house that will blend into your garden this probably isn’t the right choice as this one really stands out. The hole and interior are slightly smaller than other options, making this a good choice for smaller birds.

It is also very affordable and one of the best bird houses for sale if you love quirky designs. The only issues we can see is that it is not weather resistant. Despite the metal material, it doesn’t hold up against wild weather like the more natural wood options. You also get a slightly lower quality bird house for a lower price.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Unique look
  • Great for small birds

Cons:

  • Not weather resistant
  • Not as durable as other options

If your main aim is to find a quirky centerpiece for your garden, this bird house is the one for you. But if you want something that will last a lifetime, there are more durable options out there.

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4. Perky Pet Wren Home

Perky-Pet 50301 Wren Home

The best birdhouse for budget shoppers is the Perky Pet Wren House which is a very reasonable price for a quality bird house.

Made from fir, this bird house is designed to attract wrens amongst other bird species. The material is naturally weather-resistant and repels bugs, making it easy to maintain. It has a cute design which makes it quirky yet still more subtle than other bird houses thanks to the simple wood colour.

The Dutch style roof is what gives it something a little different without being too out there. Stylish and functional, the roof also lifts off easily to allow for quick cleaning. 

The only problem with this is some cunning predators might find it just as easy to lift off as you do...

This bird house also comes with an attached rope which makes it very easy to set up and use as a hanging decoration. This is particularly useful if you already have a bird feeder where you can easily hang it. If not, a sturdy branch will do. 

One problem some customers have had with this is that the bird house can swing in the wind so watch it doesn’t swing into something if you experience particularly high winds.

At 6.5 inches tall, this is also a smaller, more discreet bird house which won’t steal attention away from your garden landscape and will fit in perfectly. The hole is 1.5 inches which is big enough to accommodate most birds. If you are looking to attract wrens in particular, you might want a bird house with a smaller opening to keep larger birds out.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to install with hanging rope included
  • Cute roof design

Cons:

  • Could be damaged from swinging in the wind
  • Might be easy for predators to access

If you’re looking for a cute and compact addition to your garden, this is a very affordable bird house that can attract a range of birds.

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5. Audubon Coppertop Cedar Wood Bluebird House

Audubon Coppertop Cedar Wood Bluebird House Model NACOPBB

For bird watching enthusiasts who want a quality bird house, this is a great option. The natural cedar and copper top roof of the Audubon Coppertop Cedar Wood Bluebird House are ideal for bluebirds too.

The best part:

This is the best bird house for protection from predators because of its nifty design feature. The 1.56-inch hole is fitted with a predator guard which is particularly useful if you find a lot of squirrels visiting your garden. It is also easy to clean with an opening at the front. This is another simple bird house that will fit into any garden and last a long time.

Designed by the bird conservation charity - National Audubon Society, you know that this has to be a quality bird house to suit professional bird watchers and enthusiasts. It is also handmade using weather resistant cedar and a layer of copper on the roof to make it more durable.

All different types of birds will frequent this bird house, especially with the extra protection of a predator guard. But you’ll also have to pay a little more for a quality bird house like this.

Pros:

  • Includes predator guard
  • Easy to clean
  • Quality material
  • Handmade

Cons:

  • Some customers found it hard to put together

If you are a real bird watching enthusiast, you can expect the best from this quality bird house from the National Audubon Society.

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6. Birds Choice Starling Resistant Purple Martin House

Birds Choice PMSR12 Starling Resistant Purple Martin House Ceiling Panel for Ventilation, 3-Floor-12 Room, Made of Aluminum

The best metal bird house has to be this one by Birds Choice - their Starling Resistant Purple Martin House. To accommodate plenty of birds at one time, it comes with a choice of sizes including multiple floors and rooms. Although expensive, you get a lot for your money with this multi-storied bird mansion.

Aimed at attracting martins, the mini balconies and dividers are both adorable and functional, giving your birds privacy to nest and get in and out of their new homes. The base plate is included and the bird house is easy to set up with the PMHD12 pole which can be bought separately.

Made entirely from aluminum, this investment is sure to last a lifetime but won’t provide heat insulation like wood. Another problem is with the assembly which can look a bit baffling to start with but once you’ve got it constructed you won’t be worrying about it falling apart. Despite the strong metal material, it is still lightweight and easy to mount anywhere in your garden.

This is a great choice for martin enthusiasts who want to house multiple families of birds in their garden at one time. Each section flaps open easily to clean ready for the next round of families to move in each season.

Pros:

  • Made from durable aluminium
  • Can hold numerous families of birds
  • Easy to open and clean

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Can be a struggle to put together
  • Pole sold separately

This bird house will last a lifetime and is great for attracting martins. If you have had wooden birdhouses fall apart in your garden before, this might be the upgrade for you.

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7. Toysmith Build A Birdhouse Building Kit

Toysmith Build A Birdhouse Building Kit

If you have always wanted to make your own bird house but don’t have the DIY skills, Toysmith Build A Birdhouse Building Kit could be the answer. This is the best bird house for DIY enthusiasts or families who want to make something special for their garden.

It comes with all the parts you will need to put together your own bird house as well as colourful paints so you can decorate it in any way you like. It also comes with a cord for hanging which is made from sturdy metal.

Assembly is so easy that you can put it together with children of ages 5 and up as a fun at home project and watch your hard work pay off when your garden is full of happy birds. As this bird house is slightly smaller, it is ideal for attracting small birds like wrens but might not be the best for larger avian friends.

Of course, as this is more of a craft project than a quality bird house, you can’t expect as much success attracting birds with this compared to quality bird houses. Nevertheless, it is a fun activity that can get kids interested in bird watching.

Pros:

  • DIY project that you can decorate yourself
  • Comes with instructions and easy hanging chain
  • Attracts smaller birds like wrens

Cons:

  • Not as high-quality material
  • Not as durable as other birdhouses

A fun project to get kids interested in bird watching, this is a fun product but isn’t as high-quality as professionally constructed birdhouses.

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What To Look For In A Quality Bird House

In this review, we focused on bird houses that feature a number of key design points which make them ideal for birds. If you are looking forward to building your own bird house, then make sure you check these features, too.

Fun Fact: There are many available Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House on the internet for DIY enthusiasts like you!

Size

Depending on the kinds of birds you want to attract, the size of your bird house will make a big difference. If you want to attract wrens, a smaller house with a small hole is better as it will keep larger birds out. 

Conversely, if you want to attract larger birds like bluebirds you will need a bigger house with a hole of 1.5 inches or bigger.

Another point to make is martins prefer to live communally so we’ve included a bird house that has multiple sections to accommodate this species.

Material

We’ve covered a few materials in this review that are regularly used to construct bird houses, such as cedar wood, fir and aluminium. Some materials are more expensive than others so the quality of your bird house might depend more on your budget.

Nevertheless, a lot of birdhouses in this review are made from natural cedar which is weather resistant and generally durable. The most preferred material is wood because it provides heat insulation. But if you need a particularly strong bird house to take on the weather, try a more durable aluminium.

Design And Assembly

The way your bird house looks is totally up to you and won’t really affect how well it attracts birds. Whether you want a colorful house that will work as a centrepiece in your garden, or a classic rustic wood design, the choice is yours.

If you are not interested in a full DIY project from free bird house plans, look for a birdhouse that is easy to assemble. On the other hand, if you are interested in a project or want to add your own style to your bird house, why not try something that you can put together yourself.

Check this short video clip below and see for yourself if bird house making is a thing for you.   🙂

Which Is The Best Birdhouse For Me?

Once you’ve got a grasp of all these key features, you might still struggle to pick one bird house from all the options out there. In this review, we aim to make the decision easier by providing the best bird houses for every concern. 

Best Budget Bird House

If you aren’t planning on spending an arm and a leg but still want a quality bird house the best option is the Perky Pet Wren Home. For a reasonable price, you still get everything you need from this fir bird house which is easy to clean and maintain.

Best For Predator Protection

If your garden is regularly visited by squirrels and other predators or pests which could seriously impact how many birds nest in your bird house, the Audubon Coppertop Cedar Wood Bluebird House is the best option as it comes with a built-in predator guard.

Best Metal Option

For a more durable bird house that can take on any weather, try a metal option like the Birds Choice Starling Resistant Purple Martin House. Another benefit of this bird house is that it is perfect from martins and can attract multiple families with the separate room design. The only problem is you won’t get the same heat insulation with metal as you do with wood so you will need to live somewhere warm.

A colorful bird house on a tree

Why Do I Need A Bird House?

Whether you are interested in birds or not, having a bird house in your garden serves an important purpose. With more habitat loss, particular species of bird are struggling to find safe places to nest and breed meaning that we will see less and less of these birds in the future. 

By putting a simple bird house in your backyard, you provide a range of species with a safe place to nest and are supporting the species.

If you are also an enthusiastic bird watcher, you’ll be sure to see more birds in your garden if you provide a safe place for them to stay, a predator-proof bird feeder, and of course, bird seeds, to complete the equation.

Types Of Bird Homes

There are a few different types of bird houses and how easy they are to set up will depend on which one you buy.

You will also need to consider where is the best position for your bird house to attract the most birds and buy one which can easily occupy that space.

Free Standing

If you don’t have a bird feeder pole or any overarching trees in your garden to hang a bird house, the best solution is a free standing or pole mounted bird house which you can place anywhere in your garden without worry that it might swing off its stand in high wind. 

A great way to attract birds with this type is to sprinkle bird feed around the base of the mount.

They are usually easy to set up by firmly hammering the pole into soft ground like grass and soil. Depending on the type of bird you want to attract, position the birdhouse in a shaded or sunny area. Some models might sell standing poles separately so make sure you check before ordering.

Hanging

If you already have one of the best bird feeders with a shepherd hook or a reasonably low hanging branch, you could buy a hanging bird house. Remember that the bird house needs to be around 5 to 30 feet away from the ground to keep the birds away from ground dwelling predators. Most of these bird houses come with rope or chains attached so you can easily hang them.

By Species

Consider the most common bird species that frequent your backyard so you can get a home for them with the perfect dimensions and specifications.

For example, you can shop the best cardinal bird houses and the best finch bird houses to ensure they'll love their new abode. Depending on your needs and the size of your yard you can even consider installing an owl nesting box as well.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of space you have or which birds you want to attract, there is a bird house out there to suit every need.

For me, the best overall bird house is the Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House because of the quality material and its ability to attract more than just bluebirds.

If you are looking for a great all-round bird house, I would definitely recommend the Woodlink, but check out all the bird houses in this review to find one that suits you down to the ground.

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