Purple Martin Birdhouse Building Plans

Purple Martin Birdhouse Building Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

Purple martins are beautiful and beneficial birds that are a joy to have around. They are known for their aerial acrobatics and their voracious appetite for insects. Building a purple martin birdhouse is a great way to attract these birds to your yard and help them raise their young. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive purple martin birdhouse building plans. We will cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right materials to assembling the birdhouse. ### Materials Needed * 1x6 pine boards (8 feet long) * 1x4 pine boards (8 feet long) * 1/2-inch plywood (4 feet x 8 feet) * 1-1/4 inch wood screws * 2-inch wood screws * 3-inch wood screws * 4-inch wood screws * Wood glue * Sandpaper * Paint (optional) ### Tools Needed * Saw * Drill * Sander * Hammer * Tape measure * Level * Safety glasses ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1.

Cut the Wood

* Cut the 1x6 pine boards into the following pieces: * 4 pieces that are 12 inches long * 4 pieces that are 16 inches long * 2 pieces that are 24 inches long * Cut the 1x4 pine boards into the following pieces: * 4 pieces that are 6 inches long * 4 pieces that are 8 inches long * 2 pieces that are 12 inches long * Cut the 1/2-inch plywood into the following pieces: * 1 piece that is 12 inches x 12 inches * 1 piece that is 12 inches x 16 inches * 2 pieces that are 12 inches x 24 inches 2.

Assemble the Birdhouse

* Start by assembling the front and back panels of the birdhouse. Attach the 12-inch x 12-inch plywood piece to the center of the 12-inch x 24-inch pine board using wood glue and 1-1/4 inch wood screws. Do the same for the other front and back panel. * Next, assemble the sides of the birdhouse. Attach the 12-inch x 16-inch plywood piece to the center of the 12-inch x 16-inch pine board using wood glue and 1-1/4 inch wood screws. Do the same for the other side. * Now, attach the front and back panels to the sides of the birdhouse using wood glue and 2-inch wood screws. Make sure that the plywood pieces are flush with the edges of the pine boards. * Finally, attach the roof of the birdhouse. Attach the 12-inch x 24-inch plywood piece to the top of the birdhouse using wood glue and 3-inch wood screws. Make sure that the plywood piece overhangs the edges of the birdhouse by about 1 inch. 3.

Add the Entrance Holes

* Drill four 1-1/2 inch holes in the front panel of the birdhouse, evenly spaced apart. The holes should be about 6 inches from the top of the birdhouse. * Drill four 1-1/2 inch holes in the back panel of the birdhouse, evenly spaced apart. The holes should be about 6 inches from the top of the birdhouse. 4.

Add the Perches

* Attach the 6-inch pine boards to the inside of the birdhouse, directly below the entrance holes. The perches should be about 2 inches from the bottom of the birdhouse. * Attach the 8-inch pine boards to the inside of the birdhouse, directly below the perches. The shelves should be about 4 inches from the bottom of the birdhouse. 5.

Add the Ventilation Holes

* Drill several small holes in the bottom of the birdhouse to allow for ventilation. 6.

Sand and Paint the Birdhouse

* Sand the birdhouse to smooth out any rough edges. * Paint the birdhouse with a non-toxic paint, if desired. 7.

Mount the Birdhouse

* Choose a location for the birdhouse that is at least 10 feet high and away from trees and other structures. * Mount the birdhouse on a pole or post using 4-inch wood screws. ### Conclusion By following these purple martin birdhouse building plans, you can create a beautiful and functional home for these beneficial birds. With a little care and maintenance, your birdhouse will last for many years and provide a safe place for purple martins to raise their young.