Wren Birdhouse

I designed this wren birdhouse for wrens, but other bird species might find it suitable. The interior size of the nest box and the entrance hole make it an ideal home for many small nesting birds.

Building the Wren Birdhouse

I built this birdhouse from 20" of 1x4, 14" of 1x8, and 20" of 1x6 cedar fence boards or planks.

Using the drawings below for specifications, cut the front piece from the 14" 1x8 and use it as a template for the back piece. On the front piece, measure up from the bottom 3 1/4" and make a mark. This mark will be the bottom of the 1 1/4" entrance hole.

Drill the 1 1/4" entrance hole with a paddle bit.

Cut the two side pieces and the bottom as indicated in the drawings below and above (left).

Wren Birdhouse Plan — Birdhouse Sides and Bottom Detail

Using 16 gauge 2" air nails, attach the front and back pieces to the left side and bottom as indicated in the drawings below. Using 1 1/4" galvanized wood screws as a hinge, attach the right side piece so that it can be used as an access hatch to clean out old nesting materials.

From the 1x6, cut the two roof sections (9 1/2" x 5 3/4") and attach them as shown in the drawings above and below. Overhang the roof approximately 1 1/2" - 2" above the entrance hole.

Finally, add the 3/4" x 3/4" x 11 1/2" mounting bar to the top of the birdhouse. Center it so that it hangs 1" past the roof on both ends. Use a piece of wire to loop through the parts of the birdhouse extending past the front and back of the roof to hang the birdhouse.

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