Which birds use nestboxes?

Birds have their own distinct preferences when it comes to choosing a nestbox. Here are some of Britain's best known species, and the type of box they prefer.

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Birds that favour small entrance holes

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Blue Tit

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Coal Tit

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Great Tit

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House Sparrow

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Marsh Tit

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Nuthatch

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Pied Flycatcher

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Redstart

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Tree Sparrow

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Birds that prefer open-fronted boxes

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Robin

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Spotted Flycatcher

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Wren

Pied Wagtail

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Birds needing a bigger entrance hole

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Great Spotted Woodpecker

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Starling

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Large hole nesting birds

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Jackdaw

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Stock Dove

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Tawny Owl

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Birds with special requirements

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Swift

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Barn Owl

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Kestrel

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House Martin

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Swallow

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A Starling takes advantage of a

natural hollow in a tree trunk.

Don't forget nestboxes for other wildlife, including hedgehogs, dormice and bats.