13+ DIY Cardinal Bird House Plans for Your Backyard
Cardinals are beautiful backyard visitors, but creating a nesting space for them can be confusing when most traditional birdhouses are designed for cavity nesting birds.
Building a standard enclosed box may seem like the obvious choice, yet cardinals generally prefer sheltered, open nesting areas instead of small entrance holes. The right structure should provide cover, stability, and a protected spot that feels natural.
Once you understand their nesting habits, you can create a simple shelter that better suits these colorful birds.
In this article, I’ll share 13+ DIY cardinal bird house plans to inspire your backyard project.
Let’s get started!
Open Wooden Nesting Platform
Materials: Fence board, exterior wood glue, wood screws
Tools: Handsaw, tape measure, square, hammer, drill
Difficulty Level: Easy
Basic wooden boards create this open face structure tailored specifically for wild songbirds. A slanted green roof shelters the main open box while allowing clear visibility for nesting parents.
Securing the back panel directly to a tree trunk offers great stability against wind. Building this craft takes minimal lumber, making it a budget friendly weekend project for beginner woodworkers.
Minimalist Flat Roof Shelf
Materials: Wood board, wood screws, exterior stain
Tools: Saw, tape measure, drill, screwdriver
Difficulty Level: Easy
Clean lines define this simple natural wood box layout. An extended back plate allows quick installation onto outdoor walls or posts.
The flat angled roof keeps rain out while preserving an wide entry space. Wide open fronts cater directly to nesting preferences of wild cardinals.
Patterned Leaf Print Shelter
Materials: Wooden box frame, patterned adhesive wrap, waterproof sealant
Tools: Scissors, craft knife, ruler
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Green leaf patterns cover the entire surface of this decorative bird sanctuary. Decorative artificial foliage wraps around every wooden edge to blend into tree leaves.
Bright colors transform basic wood pieces into eye catching garden decor. Small birds easily nest inside while feeling concealed from surrounding predators.
Repurposed Bucket Nesting Station
Materials: Metal bucket, decorative wire, small artificial flowers, nesting straw
Tools: Drill, mounting screws, wire pliers
Difficulty Level: Moderate
An orange painted metal bucket turns sideways to form a unique nesting spot. Twisted black wire coils sit on top to add artistic outdoor flare.
Mounting the container horizontally offers immediate shelter from wind and rain. Adding dry twigs inside invites birds to settle quickly.
Peak Roof Cedar Shelter
Materials: Cedar boards, wood screws, exterior finish
Tools: Miter saw, drill, tape measure, pencil
Difficulty Level: Easy
A pointed roof gives this natural wooden design a classic house shape. Unfinished cedar lumber offers long lasting weather resistance without harsh chemical treatments.
A front lip holds nest materials securely inside during stormy weather. Mounting this frame on a workbench or post provides stable elevated housing.
Two-Tone Red Nest Box
Materials: Pine boards, dark wood stain, red exterior paint
Tools: Saw, sander, paintbrush, screws
Difficulty Level: Easy
Vibrant red side panels contrast sharply against a dark stained mounting board. Curved side cuts offer easy access for adult birds carrying food.
Flat top overhangs protect chicks from rain while maintaining fresh airflow. Mounting this colorful box onto siding brightens up your garden walls.
Conclusion
Creating a cardinal friendly nesting area is different from building a traditional enclosed birdhouse. Cardinals typically prefer open nesting spaces surrounded by protective vegetation, so platform style shelters and partially open structures can be more suitable.
Place your chosen structure near dense shrubs or greenery where birds have plenty of natural cover. Keep the area quiet and avoid disturbing active nests. With thoughtful placement and a simple design, your backyard can become a more welcoming space for cardinals and other visiting birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cardinals use traditional birdhouses?
Cardinals generally do not nest inside traditional enclosed birdhouses with small entrance holes. They usually build open cup nests in dense shrubs, vines, and small trees.
What type of birdhouse is suitable for cardinals?
Open front nesting shelves or platform style shelters can provide a more suitable setup than enclosed boxes. Nearby vegetation is also important because cardinals prefer plenty of cover.
Where should I place a cardinal nesting shelter?
Choose a quiet location near dense shrubs, vines, or leafy vegetation. The spot should offer protection and some shelter from harsh weather.
What materials can I use for a DIY cardinal shelter?
Untreated wood is a practical choice for outdoor nesting structures. Use sturdy materials that can withstand rain and changing weather conditions.
Should I put nesting material inside?
It is generally better to let birds collect their own nesting materials. Natural materials such as small twigs, grasses, leaves, and plant fibers available around the yard can be useful.
How can I attract cardinals to my backyard?
Planting dense native shrubs and providing fresh water and appropriate food sources can make your yard more inviting. Keeping some areas naturally sheltered can also provide useful nesting habitat.
