Red Cardinal Bird House Plans : House Plans

Red Cardinal Bird House Plans

The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a medium-sized songbird found in eastern North America. It is a member of the family Cardinalidae, which also includes the vermilion cardinal, the pyrrhuloxia, and the rose-breasted grosbeak. The northern cardinal is known for its bright red plumage, which is more vibrant in males than in females. Cardinals are also known for their beautiful song, which is often heard in the spring and summer months.

Cardinals are cavity-nesting birds, which means they build their nests in holes in trees or other structures. They typically build their nests in deciduous trees, such as oaks, maples, and elms. Cardinals will also nest in man-made structures, such as birdhouses. If you are interested in attracting cardinals to your yard, you can build them a birdhouse that meets their specific needs.

Materials

To build a red cardinal birdhouse, you will need the following materials:

1x8 pine board (cut to 12 inches long)
1x6 pine board (cut to 6 inches long)
1x4 pine board (cut to 4 inches long)
1/2-inch plywood (cut to 12 inches square)
1-1/2-inch nails
Wood glue
Paint (optional)

Instructions

To build the birdhouse, follow these instructions:

Cut the 1x8 pine board to 12 inches long. This will be the front of the birdhouse.
Cut the 1x6 pine board to 6 inches long. This will be the back of the birdhouse.
Cut the 1x4 pine board to 4 inches long. These will be the sides of the birdhouse.
Cut the 1/2-inch plywood to 12 inches square. This will be the floor of the birdhouse.
Assemble the birdhouse by gluing and nailing the sides to the front and back. Make sure that the edges of the sides are flush with the edges of the front and back.
Glue and nail the floor to the bottom of the birdhouse.
Cut a 2-inch hole in the front of the birdhouse, 6 inches from the top. This will be the entrance.
Paint the birdhouse (optional). Allow the paint to dry completely before hanging the birdhouse.

Hanging the Birdhouse

Once the birdhouse is built, you need to hang it in a suitable location. Cardinals prefer to nest in trees, so hang the birdhouse in a tree that is at least 10 feet tall. The birdhouse should be placed in a shady spot, away from direct sunlight. You should also make sure that the birdhouse is out of reach of predators, such as cats and squirrels.

Attracting Cardinals

Once you have built and hung the birdhouse, you can start attracting cardinals to your yard. Cardinals are attracted to food, so one of the best ways to attract them is to provide them with a bird feeder. Cardinals also love to eat fruits and berries, so you can also plant these in your yard. Finally, cardinals are attracted to water, so make sure to provide them with a bird bath.