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