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

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

Great Tit

House Sparrow

Marsh Tit

Nuthatch

Pied Flycatcher

Redstart

Tree Sparrow

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Pied Wagtail

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Birds needing a bigger entrance hole

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Starling

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Large hole nesting birds

Jackdaw

Stock Dove

Tawny Owl

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Birds with special requirements

Swift

Barn Owl

Kestrel

House Martin

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.