House Sparrow nest boxes

Sparrows prefer their houses be placed under eaves 4-5m high, facing between north-east and south-east. Installing the boxes high up helps protect House Sparrows from predators and shields them from the elements. The high placement also offers a clear flight path for the birds to enter and exit the box.

A sparrow terrace is a nest box with multiple chambers (usually 2-3) in one unit. This type of nest box is preferred by sparrows as they often nest in groups, and are drawn to sites that allow multiple families to nest together.

Sparrow nest boxes should be installed either high up under the eaves of a building or between 2-4 metres high up a mature tree or wall. Height helps keep the nest safe from predators and disturbance, while the shelter of the roof provides protection from wind and rain.

Sparrows do best when given several nesting opportunities together. Aim to install two to three boxes grouped on the same side of a building, or you can opt for a single sparrow terrace with multiple chambers.

Sparrows need a 32mm entrance hole. This is larger than the 25mm hole used by Blue Tits, but the same size required by Great Tits. Using the correct hole size ensures sparrows can enter easily while preventing access by much larger birds.