ATTRACTING BIRDS AROUND THE HOME 229 



Whether any particular bird will do this depends on its 

 natural nesting site ; if it nests in a hollow limb, there is a 

 possibility that it may use a nesting box. A great many 

 kinds of birds have been known to occupy these houses. The 

 author has been able to list twenty-nine kinds of birds which 

 have positively been known to use these boxes somewhere 

 in the United States. The kinds which use them most 

 commonly are the bluebirds, wrens, martins, tree swallows, 

 and flickers. The martins have now become so accustomed 

 to these artificial houses that they seldom nest anywhere 

 else. 



Houses to suit the birds. A great variety of houses can 

 be made, all of which will attract birds. Wood is most 

 commonly used. This may be ordinary boards or old 

 weather-beaten boards. If new boards are used, they 

 should be painted or stained green or brown, or else rubbed 

 in mud so as to take off the new look. Pieces of slabs with 

 the bark on make good material. Sometimes sections of 

 hollow limbs may be found in the woods, or sections of 

 small trees may be cut and the center hollowed out with 

 augur or chisel. Tin cans, roofing paper, pottery, cement, 

 and gourds may also be used. 



The houses are made in a great variety of shapes. Some- 

 times attempts are made to imitate man's houses, but the 

 ordinary box shape is probably as good as any. The size 

 of the house depends on the bird that is to occupy it. 



Birds may be conveniently classed in three groups accord- 

 ing to the size of the house and entrance hole needed, as 

 small, medium, and large. To the small group belong such 

 birds as the wren and chickadee, which can use a hole too 

 small for the English sparrow. To the medium group be- 

 long such birds as the bluebird and the tree swallow, which 

 can use a hole too small for the starling. To the large group 

 belong such birds as the flicker and red-headed woodpecker, 

 which require an entrance of from two to three inches. 



