Number 17
Cavity Nesters Need Homes
In a perfect world there would be
plenty of cavities and dead trees in
forests for all the wildlife species that
require them. However, young
plantations and many natural timber
stands often lack adequate cavities.
There are two ways to remedy this
situation:
1) Provide artificial nest boxes
2) Increase the number of
natural cavities
This publication will focus on
constructing and placing artificial nest
boxes. Please consult WWW- 14
Snags and Downed Logs for
details on increasing the number of
natural cavities on your forest land.
Barn Owl
Flicker
Pileated
Woodpecker
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Red-headed
Woodpecker
Downy
Woodpecker
Gray Squirrel
Flying Squirrel
Wood Duck
Raccoon
Use Nest Boxes Where:
Few natural cavities exist
Competition for natural cavities is
great
Target species populations are
low
Rapid habitat improvement is
desired
Distributed in furtherance
of the acts of Congress of
May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Employment and program
opportunities are offered to
all people regardless of
race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability.
North Carolina State
University, North Carolina
A & T State University, US
Department of Agriculture,
and local governments
North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina State University
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
College of Forest Resources
Page 2
Species
Hole
Diameter
Cavity
Depth
Floor
Cavity
Entrance
Hole
Height
Mounting
Height
Flying Squirrel
15 - 18
8 x 8
9 - 12
20-30
Gray Squirrel
20
9 x 9
16
20-25
Wood Duck
3 x 4 oval
24
12 x 12
18
10
Flicker
2.5
16 - 18
7 x 7
14 x 16
6-20
Raccoon
5 x 9 oval
24
10 x 10
19
10-20
Barn Owl
15 - 18
10 x 18
20 - 30+
Downy
Woodpecker
1.25
10
4 x 4
6-7
6-20
Red-headed
Woodpecker
12
6 x 6
7-8
6-20
Species
Habitat
Gray and Flying Squirrels
Young to mature woodlands
Wood Duck
Mature woodlands adjacent to flooded woodlands,
ponds, or open marshland
Flicker
Open areas with perennial forbs and grasses
Raccoon
Riparian regions and lands adjacent to wetlands
Barn Owl
Open pasture and agricultural fields
Downy Woodpecker
Woodlots, parks, and gardens
Red-headed Woodpecker
Open country, farms and park-like woodlands
Page 3
Maintenance Tips
Tips for Successful Nest Boxes
Remove old nesting materials and
repair or remount nesting
structures annually following
fledging period.
Mount nest boxes in suitable habitat for
selected species.
Construct nest boxes using decay and
weather resistant materials such as
cypress, cedar, heart pine and oak.
Check ventilation and drainage holes
for proper functioning during
annual cleaning.
Place nest boxes in most critical
(plantations and young timber stands)
areas first, then expand efforts to
additional areas as time and money allow.
Adjust mounting bolts and wires
annually or as needed to account
for tree growth or wear and tear.
Use predator guards whenever possible
and practical.
Consult wildlife biologists for species
requirements of species not listed in this
publication.
Hinge or cleat roof for
cleaning
Cost share assistance may be available
through the Stewardship Incentive Program
for these practices. See your Wildlife
Biologist, Forester, or Extension Agent for
more information about the Forest
Stewardship Program.
Locate 3 diameter
entrance hole here for
squirrel box.
For Wood Duck House:
Place 3 - 4 of sawdust
in bottom of box.
Prepared by:
Edwin J. Jones, Department Extension Leader,
Mark A. Megalos, Extension Forestry Specialist,
Scott J. Phelps, Extension Associate
Page 4
Other Resources:
How to Attract Cavity-nesting Birds to your Woodlot.North Central Forest Experiment Station
Pamphlet. # 767-766. 1981.
Other Wildlife Notes Available:
No. 1 - Endangered Species
No. 14 - Snags and Downed Logs
No. 2 - Eastern Gray Squirrel
No. 15 - Managing Edges for Wildlife
No. 3 - White-tailed Deer
No. 16 - Building Songbird Boxes
No. 4 - Songbirds
No. 17 - Woodland Wildlife Nest Boxes
No. 5 - Wild Turkey
No. 18 - Low Cost Habitat Improvements
No. 6 - Wood Duck
No. 19 - Pools for Amphibians
No. 7 - Cottontail Rabbit
No. 20 - Hummingbirds and Butterflies
No. 8 - Bobwhite Quail
No. 21 - Bats
No. 9 - Ruffed Grouse
No. 22 - Owls
No. 10 - Black Bear
No. 23 - Managing Beaver Ponds
No. 11 - Raccoon
No. 24 - Herbaceous Plants for Wildlife
No. 12 - Mourning Dove
No. 25 - SIP Wildlife Opportunities
No. 13 - Wildlife Terms
FOREST STEWARDSHIP
a cooperative program for
improving and maintaining all of the
resources on private forestland
11-94-4M-WWW-17
