How to Make a Sparrow Colony Nesting Box / Bird House (Sparrow Terrace)

[@PhillWyattProjects]

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[@mimipastnfuture5732]

Thank you Phill for building a house for the sparrows. You are a good man. God Bless.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you very much!

[@Usha-5]

Very nice, 👌👌👌super sparrow houses

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks!

[@pennylane2304]

Hello from Tasmania! Thank you Phill - sparrow box on the 'to-do' list. ❤️🇦🇺

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Cheers 👍🏻 your welcome 👍🏻

[@ianlees1480]

Brilliant tuition, good easy design. Will definitely build one. Thank you

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you. Your welcome.

[@deadguru1577]

Amazing video that is good nest box for sparrow because this is colony nest box u may say a small family of sparrow NICE

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the video 👍

[@Askeyb2011]

I had to make sure all of our bird houses had a smaller hole to protect the babies. Also, deeper down into the box also helps. We had Jays that were pulling the baby Sparrows out and eating them. I put a square cage wire around the boxes that the Sparrows can easily go through, but the Jays and Black Birds can't get into. The Black Birds were eating their eggs. We have had these bird houses for years and within the last three years other birds started going into the nesting boxes. We also have Cooper's Hawks that show up now I guess because there are so many Sparrows in our backyard. We also have Finches and other birds but mainly Sparrows. I had to move a feeder to the back fence where there are bushes. I also had to put the cage wire around the area of the feeder because the Black Birds found it and would empty the feeder daily. That kept them out. We also have Doves but our neighbors cat has killed a number of them. Tried to talk to them and they don't care.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Interesting info and tips 👍🏻 yea birds are crafty especially the jays and magpies. I don't have much luck with birds nesting in my garden as there are too many crows, magpies and cats around. I had some blue tits nesting but magpies kept bothering them so they left in the end.

[@Askeyb2011]

@@PhillWyattProjects I think our neighbors Cat climbed the tree to go after the Sparrows in the nesting boxes. I put cage wire on the tree too so nothing can climb up the tree. It has been a battle to stop Cats and birds that prey on the eggs and babies of the Sparrows. I was out back one day during the summer and a number of Sparrows were in a big bush corner of our backyard. A Sparrow Hawk dropped down and grabbed one out of the bush. Never seen a Sparrow Hawk do that. Must of had a nest of babies to feed so going after larger food. We were in a nearby park one summer and I witnessed two Crows after a Squirrel way up in a tree. They were trying to knock the Squirrel out of the tree. The Squirrel was all over the tree dodging the Crows. It managed to get away. Pretty crazy never seen that before.

[@LewisZilla]

Coopers Hawks? So you’re American? Probably not wise to boost the population of house sparrows then since they are severely invasive, wish we could take some of yours haha

[@tarimaakalog8560]

Nice good nest box for sparrow nice choice i was lucky that i watch your this video great work

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you! I appreciate it 👍

[@brettowen7174]

They are all here in Mallorca. My patios in S'Arracó have at least 2 families which descend every morning for breakfast we put out. Probably about 30 in all. Just fledged their babies, fun to see the mums feeding them on the ledges where the food is.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Lovely little story ☺️

[@MrSTOUT73]

You should always use the first cut piece as a template for the rest of the cuts because if you have a minor error it will multiply with each successive cut by the time you make the last cut. :)

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Sounds like good advice Wayne!

[@johnburns7142]

Suggestion: ---- How about making the roof sloped to the front, and projected over the entrance holes , to help prevent rain water blowing in. Put the hinges to rear. Make the front removable to aid cleaning out. Add a hook or piece of wire to tie roof down in case of windy weather. 🐦

[@PhillWyattProjects]

The roof is sloped to the front and hangs over. The hinges are at the rear. The lid lifts up to allow cleaning out.

[@johnburns7142]

@@PhillWyattProjects Thanks Phill for your reply.

[@markcourtney7251]

@@PhillWyattProjectsin the video the hinges are at the front above the holes??

[@onetalentedman2822]

Nice job

[@vikas21511]

Great man , you have really done very wonderful job

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks a lot!

[@hexadecimal7300]

Lovely video, given me some ideas. I do not need any more homes for sparrows, my eves are full of them. Funny little characters they are too.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks! Yea they are cool little birds.

[@Miller4866]

Brilliant video thanks 👍

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks 👍

[@ferret452]

great vid mate I will make one of these to give these little fellows a helping hand can't believe how much they have declined when I was young In the seventies you couldn't hear your self think because of the constant chirping of the sparrow and now I very rarely ear them or is that because I'm getting old lol

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks Carl 👍🏻 it's true the sparrows and starlings have declined.

[@frundlemud]

The neighbour's house has had a new roof with dry verges. Sparrows were kicked out due to no gaps. I will make a box just like yours with just a little more front overhang to deter Magpies. I like the front hinge.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Sounds like a good idea 👍🏻

[@RATRUN77]

Nice box mate. Just a little tip get some metal washer the same size internally as the holes and screw or stick them on. I had a woodpecker nearly get in at the chicks had to make some very quickly. Saved the chicks. 😅😅😅

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Your rite about that as it happens I recently made a video about how to make protection holes for a bird box. I just haven't put any onto this one just yet.

[@markopolo5695]

Just like me, you use/re-purpose old furniture including the old mixed screws Good man

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@robertkelly5042]

the base of the nesting could be shaped to form a bowl . this would stop eggs from being jammed at corners and lost during incubation. Very good video and build. Perhaps a pattern for swifts might be possible .

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks for the advice Robert 👍🏻

[@TimothyJohnLukeSmithPSA]

You have an amazing talent!!!

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks Timothy! 👍👍👍

[@johnsantiago5871]

God bless keep it up And do more video

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you for the encouragement John 👍🏻

[@Chris-pv2ht]

Relief its not another review I spent a bit of money last week ;) Seriously nice job Phil like the paintwork

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Haha thanks Chris 👍 yea I still have boxed power tools I haven't opened yet can't help myself 😆

[@brettowen7174]

Just a few observations : the entrance holes looked rough around the edges inside the box, might ruffle a few feathers? Secondly, just one mirror plate in the centre to hold it up. One squirrel, cat jumping down on the box will tilt it wildly. 2 plates better, I think?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Yes it wouldn't hurt for the holes to be smoother and 2 plates would be better that 1 I agree 👍🏻

[@Anti-Clickbait]

Phil, think the outcome looks and works just fine for a home project. Rather than do critical nit-picking like so many people in the world do to others, i would rather give you positive encouragement for the obvious time and effort spent doing this - very well done Phil ! Don't worry if people look for flaws in your work because the world is full of armchair critics - your video documentation and detail and the final result are already really great as-is. *2 thumbs up*

[@Shandinho]

Great vid as usual Phil👍more like this please

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks Andy! 👍👍

[@nixonsmateruby1]

Sparrows are making a comeback but not half as many as when I was a kid, and the reason is simple, new buildings don't have anywhere to nest in or under the roofs. All the factories in the 70s had that corrugated roofing and loads of sparrows used to nest there, and even homes don't have nest areas any more because the eaves and soffit are all sealed up. If you go to a council estate with older housing you will see loads of sparrows because of loose slates and cement.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Interesting information 👍🏻 I never thought about it like that before. I have a few visiting my garden now which is good.

[@johnsantiago5871]

Mindblowing

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks John 👍🏻

[@BrightSparkIdeas]

Nice job mate

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Cheers! 👍🏻

[@Askeyb2011]

I made a colony box for Sparrows for winter shelter. I have only seen a few birds use it. Not sure what the problem is. I put it under the eve of the roof where it is protected from rain and wind. I put two wooden rods through it for roosting.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

It can be quite random when it comes to birds choosing a nesting box. Sometimes they go in within a few weeks. Sometimes it can take a year or two. Sometimes they never go in.

[@Askeyb2011]

@@PhillWyattProjects We have a tree in backyard that I have put birdhouses on. I added some new ones and left and came back and sparrows already using them. There are more birds then birdhouses so they claim any new ones right away. We have had different Copper's Hawks show up every fall trying to catch the Sparrows. I had to move the bird feeder on the tree to the back fence. Then put a cage wire around it so the birds are protected while eating. They can get in but Hawks, cats and Black Birds can't.

[@Askeyb2011]

@@PhillWyattProjects I actually seen birds going into it and even taking stuff into the box. Then nothing for whatever reason. There might be birds going into it but I have not seen any since first putting the shelter bird box up.

[@happywoodworking]

I love the idea of adding hinges to the roof! Beautiful project. Do you have any new tenants?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks! Not yet I'm going to wait until next spring to put it up.

[@sharmajigaming9453]

Good work nice brother

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you! 👍

[@donart8841]

Excellent …😃

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Cheers Don 👍🏻

[@sarahjackson8212]

Looks very smart , but I’m doing mine white to reflect the heat ….black roof can make it too hot .

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks 👍🏻 yea that's a good idea actually.

[@rameshbabuponnada2764]

It would be nice to have a supporting rod for the sparrows for entering into the hole.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

It's not always a good idea to add a perch. It can make it easier for predators to get inside.

[@adelinawarriner6259]

no, sparrows don't need it and it allows predator birds a place to sit while pulled chicks out

[@ajaykrishnashah7035]

I have a question for you ! Will sparrow accept it for their home alike ? I have made the same house but they didn't accept it it's still empty. So what should we do next !

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Birds can be funny about where they nest. Sometimes birds just won't go in a box or it can take a year or two. It can also depend on what other birds are nesting near by such as crows or magpies.

[@maitreyeeds536]

Hi. Brilliant work done here. One doubt, will the sparrows come to apartment of 9th floor. I stay in apartment.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks! That's a good question. I am not sure if they will nest at that height although I don't know for certain.

[@susisoler8445]

Esta bastante bien pero no tiene palito a la entrada del nido, 😮 un saludo desde España

[@PhillWyattProjects]

un palito a la entrada permite que las aves depredadoras se posen. No es buena idea. saludo desde inglaterra.

[@Tokioka]

Lovely build. Did any house sparrows move in?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

I actually sold this so I'm not sure. Cheers👍🏻

[@lesptitsoiseaux]

They'll have a hard time bringing branches in there ... holes are too small. Good idea though, love the hotel!

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Cheers! I just used the hole size that google recommended for sparrows.

[@DanielCoffey67]

Most of the coarse nesting material will be dry grasses which are flexible. They will then switch to moss, wool, hairs and other thin manmade fibres for the egg cup.

[@joequillun7790]

Will multiple birds use this design? Meaning more than one family. Or will the 1st tenants, scare away any potential inhabitants?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

It should attract multiple pairs of birds in the separate compartments.

[@elaineedgar2913]

Phill, l’m an ancient lady. Can you make this to buy please? I can’t do woodwork. Sparrows come in huge numbers to my garden and l’d love to show them a shelter and that l care.

[@frontier9142]

Was wondering about the little round dowel that sticks out just below the entrance hole, do sparrows need that or not?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

I don't think it matters. Also, the perch would give predator birds a way to hold on and get their head inside the box.

[@frontier9142]

@@PhillWyattProjects yes I think you're right

[@dereksmith5019]

No perches below entry holes ?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

They are not necessary. They allow predator birds like magpies to perch and put their beak inside.

[@cardinal321]

Looks nice but don't sparrows get aggressive during breeding season so as to chase away other sparrows, even going as far as invading other sparrows' nests? Just wondering if multiple pairs would breed so closely without fighting.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

I read that they are communal birds so I'm not sure if they get aggressive with eachother. I've seen groups together peacefully.

[@user-zh8gb7sb6j]

Sparrows are declining in Great Britain? Hey, we have millions here in the US we would be more than happy to send you!

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Apparently yes they are in decline here. I hear that they are invasive over there.

[@notsohandytim5090]

Man, I wish the House Sparrow was in decline here in the USA where they pretty much own every nest box in every low elevation town and city. ☹

[@PhillWyattProjects]

A few people have said similar from USA.

[@sharonhoover644]

💖💖☺

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks!

[@comfortablynumb8832]

Do you have sparrows nesting in them yet?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

I gave this away not long after making it so I can't say.

[@paulsawczyc5019]

Birdseed and water helps the birds too.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Good point 👍🏻

[@kieranConnemara]

What is the width of the side panels??

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Between 20-25cm should work just fine.

[@symlexbrn5396]

It's not advertised at an estate agent, you just find it by luck as you fly by

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Free homes for friendly sparrows 😀👍🏻

[@tinacollins9213]

Do you sell these Phil I don’t have tools I’ve just used a shoe box with a hole 🙂

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks for asking. I'm not selling anything at the moment although I might in future as I have been asked by a few people for these.

[@tinacollins9213]

@@PhillWyattProjects thanks love

[@chrisblenkinsopp8588]

How does the sparrow know where to go? You could have put a small peg outside for the spuggy to land on

[@PhillWyattProjects]

I'm not sure how they know but they just do. Birds are smart animals. It might not always be a good idea to put a peg because it allows larger predatory birds such as magpies to perch around the hole and put their head inside the box.

[@chrisblenkinsopp8588]

@@PhillWyattProjects Oh I hadn't thought of that...ta

[@radokljajic9221]

👍👍👍

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@sherwanbekas7465]

hi good job bro can you give me the measurements would be appreciated

[@Pro1er]

Off topic but what kind of tree is that?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Which one are you referring to?

[@Pro1er]

@@PhillWyattProjects The one with the spiked leaves right behind you. That doesn't look like it would survive a UK Winter.

[@marymayor5919]

Why not saw instead of skill or table saw?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

You can use a hand saw I do sometimes although I happen to have the tools so why not make use of them if you have them.

[@michaellicavoli3921]

Why no perches?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

They don't need them. Also putting a perch allows predator birds to perch and put their head inside.

[@danbev8542]

Nice project for your part of the world. I’m sorry to hear that your birds are declining. All of our American birds are too. I’m in the Eastern U.S. & wish we could scoop up all our invasive House Sparrows & Starlings and bring them to you! Americans!!! Do NOT encourage house sparrows in your yards! They kill our bluebirds, chickadees & other native species. Don’t use mixed bird seed at your feeders. House sparrows love the tiny yellow seeds in those mixes. I feed exclusively Black Oil Sunflower and get LOTS of native birds and very few house sparrows & starlings.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks for sharing I didn't know about that. We don't have those birds in UK I am not aware that sparrows cause any problems here in UK.

[@rbtkng2438]

I may make this house so that i can trap all the sparrows and exterminate them here in the U.S.

[@fixtritephil7712]

A colony trap works well to eradicate them!!!

[@graphicsgaurav]

You forgot to make a landing area for the bird in front of the entrance.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

This is intentional. I would not recommend adding a perch at the front to prevent predatory birds from using it to perch on and then put their head inside the box and get to the chicks.

[@graphicsgaurav]

@@PhillWyattProjects Make sense but the entrance is only 32mm as you mentioned. So it is quite difficult for the predator to harm the chick. And secondly if you don't add a perch then it will also be more difficult for a sparrow to feed there chicks as well. But your intentions are making sense.

[@andrewwyatt2542]

Here in Australia the sparrow is not in decline by any means

[@PhillWyattProjects]

That's good to know 👍🏻

[@andrewwyatt2542]

@@PhillWyattProjects mate you can come and re home them back in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 we would not miss them

[@brianmather4798]

SUPPOSED TO USE RECOMMENDED NON TOXIC PAINT

[@PhillWyattProjects]

The paint I used was non toxic.

[@markcourtney7251]

How do know he didn’t use non toxic paint???

[@keithmoore5224]

only coment i have people do tend to make nest boxes too big i found that a3 by 4 by 4 inch with a 40 mm hole just saying

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks for the advice Keith. 👍🏻

[@johnlewis9745]

An old man once told me never to paint diy bird boxes. He added that, in the wild, they don’t nest in painted trees or hedges.

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

What about a Perch?? NO??

[@PhillWyattProjects]

It's better not to have a perch to avoid predators using it to help them gain access.

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

@@PhillWyattProjects i did not realise that 👍

[@grah01]

Why would I want to attract sparrows?

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Why not? 🐣

[@grah01]

Sparrows show up wether you want them to or not. They are considered a nuisance specie in the US

[@PhillWyattProjects]

@@grah01 in the UK they are friendly birds

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

I .are one years ago, had blue tits nest in it several years and wasps one year. Never had a sparrow in there.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

That's interesting 😯

[@justinmanser7525]

It's dreadful how they've disappeared from the UK, only to be replaced by the gulls and pigeons. As you can see from my photo, I have a great relationship with these birds. I will always promote the idea of spending time with them, they can recognise you and if you are patient and respectful, they will be happy to eat from your hand.

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Hi Justin, I didn't know you could hand feed them. I like these birds but a lot of Americans have said that they are pests over there. I'm not sure why they seem like peaceful birds.

[@justinmanser7525]

This is also a problem with the reputation of Magpies in the UK. The sparrows you see with me are Swiss. There is a great video on a show called Q.I. that explains why people dislike these birds, I'll try to find it. There is a guy who catches and destroys them in America, he posts videos here on KZbin also... As you can imagine, we are not seeing eye to eye, or even eye to sparrow for that matter. I'll say this, they are an an invasive species, but ecosystems function within those parameters also. I firmly believe, through my experiences with these divine fluffy feather balls I have showcased something that is missing from a great deal of people's minds. Even if we look at invasive wars, where bombs are dropping no one dare mention that invasion or it's reason to the soldiers in any real capacity before they risk there lives. With sparrowhawks, cigarettes poisoning them, gulls and pigeons, modern buildings without crevices they need to nest and the domesticated cat I find it strange that this guy feels how he does. Anyway, I will try to emphasize one thing, you do what you want, if you really want a sparrow to come, I will say please take the time to try. Peace and thanks for the bird seed!!!

[@mwilson3602]

@@PhillWyattProjects They are aggressive nesters that will peck our native songbirds such as the tiny Chickadee and Bluebirds to death. They are everywhere here, even in our stores. Along with the Starlings that are also aggressive that out compete our native birds for cavity nesting sites. I just had one bluebird nest who had two eggs destroyed by a male House Sparrow. I wish we could send America's House Sparrow population to your area. I'm not saying this in a mean way, it's just they are invasive along with the Starlings.

[@justinmanser7525]

Oh absolutely correct, it's a shame what they do with other species. As cats though, who just kill them for the instinctive pleasure. The Chickadees are wonderful and also very easy to tame apparently. I think that in more urban areas though they have a lot to offer...it's a way to take a break from the rat race of survival, domestication and the mundane normality of just living for the central banks.

[@MartinClayton-n1b]

Cat will sitting on shed roof Fix on house above bedroom window

[@PhillWyattProjects]

I only put it on the shed for displaying it for the video.

[@stonerphil1028]

Nice job, but you can just be sure that choosing this type of chipboard won't last long in the weather, so it's a shame to do this job and not choose the right wood!

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thanks👍🏻 not sure what you mean. There's no chipboard. It's made of Pine with a Ply wood roof.

[@stonerphil1028]

@@PhillWyattProjects ah sorry, with the lighter color of the wood slices I had the impression that it was chipboard, pine is very good plywood (even covered with paint) a little less good because given its thinness it will eventually deform, unless it's marine wood.

[@gbcdmd]

If you live in the United States, house sparrows are considered an invasive species

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Yea quite a few people have said that. I had no idea. Here they seem peaceful birds.

[@eelsoirdor3573]

​@@PhillWyattProjects People cut down forest and build houses. Wild birds fly away and only few birds remain, specially those few which have adapted to live close to humans: sparrows, pigeons, grackles, etc. Then people blame these birds for the invasion... very convenient!

[@marymayor5919]

Be nice if dimensions were in inches too, not solely centimeters. For those who need know hole size, it's 1-1/4 inch (1.250). If you don't want Sparrows but do want Swallows ( Swallows will greatly reduce mosquitos population), then make hole eighth inch smaller = 1-1/8 = 1.125. On farm with pond and 2 creeks, and since Sparrows will step grain from your livestock feeding place. Swallows won't eat the grain but will catch eat, up to their body weight every day of flying insects. Dimensions for Black it'd nesting box wasn't at end or any part of your video as you said they would be to reference to for building it.

[@angelamolinagaffney383]

I hope this guy knows to cut out vent holes for the summer months that basically cook the helpless chicks because there's no ventilation with only one hole. These wooden nest boxes are notorious for killing families every year because nobody has any sense to factor in global warming even tho they adjust their homes for the heat." Naw, the chicks love sweat boxes! No windows for them! " Duh!

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Can you direct me to an article which addresses this issue you mentioned. I have never seen a bird box that has windows in it. I think it is better to educate rather than to criticise. I have the understanding that if placed correctly (north east) the box should not get too hot during summer in the UK. I'm not sure about other countries.

[@markcourtney7251]

@@PhillWyattProjectsspot on Phil!!

[@HelenaMikas]

Oh this is wonderful ..Wish I had the tool s and skills .If you ever make an extra I'll be your 1st customer and pay plus shipping .They were good here until some idiots wrecked where they lived .Some could to my balcony but a box would be ideal have looked on the online firm and zero quality ..I love birds ,My last but one video shows what idiots did to the day roost of sparrows. Berlin is very cold ..No matter what. you are a talented man👍

[@PhillWyattProjects]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I only made this as a one off I don't currently sell the things I make unfortunately. I like making bird boxes I will have to make some more different types before next spring. I will check out your channel :)

[@HelenaMikas]

@@PhillWyattProjects Have sent you an email actually with a picture .It explains why I ask because of a terrible event that has broken up a sparrow colony and many have died of cold.. Spent weeks trying to get the local authorities to make good their mess up. So far no success . I speak German but not sure I can show this amazing terrace to a German joiner and have him understand .Will give it my best though .. Thanks for answering. Impressive .All the best , Helena :)