A Winter Roosting Box is simply a sheltered place for a number of birds to gather in order to get away from inclement weather. A roosting box will usually have a hole near the bottom in order to retain as much heat as possible (heat rises and would escape out a hole located at the top). Shelves or perches inside allow the birds to take advantage of all the space in the roosting box. In contrast, a nesting box is usually a place for a pair of birds to raise their young, while the roosting box can house many different birds at once. A nesting box is less likely to be used as a roosting box and vice versa.

Birds that use nesting boxes in the summer will also use winter roosting boxes in the winter. Some of these birds include: Chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, and bluebirds. If you are expecting smaller birds, be sure to include perches inside. A 1-1/4 inch hole will suffice. If you are expecting bluebirds and wood peckers, a larger 1-1/2 inch hole will be needed. Bluebirds do not require perches as they are likely to huddle together. If you expect woodpeckers, you might cut a few groves in the inside surfaces so that they can cling. This should be done away from the perches and/or shelves.

A winter roost can be hung in a tree or on a pole. A sheltered location is preferred, especially away from prevailing winds. Locating the winter roost in view of a nearby window will allow you to enjoy the sights birds leaving in the morning and returning in the evening. For bluebirds, the box should be hung quite low, about six feet from the ground, while other birds will appreciate a height of about 12 feet.

Your feathered friends will enjoy finding the warm sheltered place you provide which will allow them to wait out the cold, wet, and windy weather.