These are perfect for deck rail feeding or for when the arrangement of trees in a yard won't allow the use of baffles. Information about birds and their nesting habits! Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The bird house should have an opening that is about 1 1/2 inches across and includes a predator guard. The Starling Stumper will work with most sizes and shapes of suet cages. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The soft plastic spikes make it uncomfortable for birds to land but wont harm the birds. About the only time we see starlings bother whole peanuts is if a woodpecker picks apart a shell and flies off with one peanut kernel, leaving the other kernel exposed, or if a batch of peanuts arrives with very thin or already cracked shells. The two small snaps attach to corners of a WBU Suet Feeder and a third swivel snap keeps the door closed and provides access to the food for easy refilling. The first mouse I recorded was able to get through the 19-mm hole [2] and the next smaller hole (17.5-mm, or about 1116-inch) [3], but not the 16-mm (-inch) hole. Because there are no undesirable species that can access 19/16" holes that cannot also access 1" holes, some monitors in Eastern Bluebird territory use 19/16" holes. When the threads sit even with the thread gauge, you have the correct threads per inch of the bolt. Mesh wire is a standard choice for filling these holes, but opt for the best material for the holes size and location. Professionals at Wild-Bird-Watching.com recommend a hole diameter between 1 3/4 inches and 2 1/4 inches, while professionals at AttractWildBirds.com recommend holes sized at exactly 2 1/4 inches. While up to fourty backyard birds are capable of nesting in bird houses, one of the few specifications needed is an exact hole size. And 1x1 could result in stuck heads especially if they jump. WBU Simply Suet: WBU Simply Suet does not have much appeal to European Starlings. Using Table A, Table B, or both if required, determine the hole shape/size and select the TJI joist and depth. Starlings couldn't get through at first, but now some of them have learned to squeeze themselves through. The other blackbirds are more traditional seed eaters. Call a professional wildlife removal specialist. In all, a cup bird nest made by craftsmen and women vary in widths, and therefore depth. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from wildlife control services near you. Pest control companies can help you eliminate starlings with tactics like bird netting, bird spikes, and bird deterrents. This feeder can be hung or mounted on a pole mounted. Invasive species are currently recognized as one of the main threats to global biodiversity. Both species nest in structures ranging from gutters and downspouts to thick shrubs and bushes, but readily use nest boxes when available. Post Apr 02, 2014 #1 2014-04 . (2.26 kg ), 10 lbs. 1. Therefore, this method works best with a single backyard nest box. Additionally, by selecting varieties that are well-suited for your climate and soil type, you can increase the chances of success with each planting season. What size hole can mouse fit through? The Squirrel Buster Suet is weight adjustable and has a closing mechanism that shuts out squirrels as well as some of the heavier and undesirable birds. You should also be aware that some frequencies can be damaging to other bird species, so you may inadvertently scare them away from your yard. Theyre omnivorous and will go for insects, fruits, and nuts. Starlings dont like anything that interrupts their nest-building or feeding. Starlingsand other pest birdsare vectors for disease. 3 What are the hole sizes for bird houses? 1 What size hole can a starling fit through? What size hole can a starling fit through? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1 1/8-inch (2-9 cm) diameter stops entry. Use ourpeanuts in the shell in your peanut feeders to provide the energy that birds need. A vent with a metal flap may not deter them: they can hover or perch while raising the flap to get into vents. Cut out a rectangle. Robins do nest in bird boxes. Barns are prime habitats for starlings since they offer everything the starling needs to thrive: food, shelter, and water. Starlings can fit in any holes that are 1.5 inches in diameter or larger, so its wise to fill any holes or gaps in your homes exterior. Get rid of starlings on your property by removing nest material, installing scare tactics, and patching holes that starlings may use for nesting sites. While people expect to see gophers during the summer, many believe, Address:1931 OToole WaySan Jose, CA 95131, Last Modified on January 4, 2023 by Zachary Smith. The tension setting can also be used to keep out the lighter Red Squirrel. The house or basket should be fairly small, with approximate dimensions of 6 inches wide, 12 1/2 inches tall and 8 1/2 inches deep. In most cases, you can try common tactics such as removing food sources, decreasing nesting spots, using the best bird deterrents, and closing any access points. You may have to continue doing this for at least a week before the birds will tire of continually building a nest that is never completed and move elsewhere. Then you can put the feeder in the best spot to watch the birds you actually want in your yard. We know dealing with a starling infestation can be frustrating. On your existing boxes with openings over 1-1/8", install an opening adapter to reduce the opening to 1" to 1-1/8". By collecting seeds from your own garden or buying them in bulk, you can save money on future purchases. House Sparrows can fit through entrance holes as small as 1 1/4; therefore, most cavity-nesting songbirds using nest boxes are vulnerable to House Sparrow competition. The Answer Will Surprise You. The WBU Starling Proof Suet Feeder accommodates 3suet or no-melt dough cakes and whole peanuts (in the shell). The best way to avoid a full-on starling infestation is to prevent them from accessing your property in the first place. While they dont harm the birds, they do discourage them from landing. The WBUEliminator's unique technology allows you to set the sensitivity level, so you can also exclude large birds such as pigeons or doves. Simply plug the entrance hole of your boxes until nesting season begins. However, when potting the seedlings into Promix, they need less water than before. Small common backyard birds of America generally take to bird houses with a small entrance hole size, such as Chickadees, Wrens and titmise. Before you inspect your yard or stock up on deterrents, it helps to better understand starlings, from their nesting habits to their behaviors and food sources. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. WBU Starling Proof Suet/Peanut Feeder: The WBU Starling Proof Sue/Peanut Feeder is designed to make it impossible for large birds and squirrels to eat your suet and no-melt dough cakes; but can also be used to offer smaller birds peanuts in the shell. Cages are available in two colours green and black. To keep the birds out, we recommend hanging thick, long strips of plastic in the doorways of the barn, down to about a foot or two above the barn floor. Wondering, What smell do birds hate? Peppermint oil is typically pretty offensive to starlings but will likely also deter most species of birds other than starlings too. These articles will get you started on your way towards being a NestWatcher! Step 2. Move the bolt to the thread section of the gauge. They are now permanent residents found across the United States and Canada, almost always near areas of human habitation and disturbance (e.g., cities and suburbs) or areas with a reliable food source, such as barns or granaries. Whole peanuts, safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, nectar, and Nyjer (thistle) seed are less appealing to starlings and can help deter them. Find licensed pros in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project. For best results, look for a cage with adiameter of at least 11. This will exclude grackles and starlings, and make it impossible for them to stick their heads through the cage to steal your birdseed. Even the larger woodpeckers can still feed thanks to their long necks, prying beaks, and agile tongues, which can stretch to obtain food. . Most backyard birds nest in hollow tree cavities, so of course its doesn't have to be exact, or else birds will never find a place to live. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. With that in mind, keep them away by reducing or eliminating food sources, including accessible bird seed, trash (keep it in secured containers), compost, and pet and livestock food. Therefore nest box monitors are legally allowed to remove or harass them. This keeps starlings from flying in but allows people, livestock, and machinery to move freely. Find a nest? Since they travel in large flocks, they can push out other species from their food source. If the entrance hole is too large you might find less desirable birds are using your birdhouse. Whether you have decorative or fruit trees, their branches are easy for these species of birds to access and build a starling nest. These professional services may even come with a guarantee that a technician will return if the starlings come back to your yard. Starling nests can cause clogged gutters and fire hazards, while their droppings contain bacteria, parasites, and fungal agents that are health risks for people and domestic pets. To not can see you receive a different, more fussy bird species than the one you intended to attract - or you may end up discourages all birds if its too small or large. Standard hole sizes for bolts are made 1/16-in. Watering every day with just a teaspoon or two works well. The diameter of the entrance hole is around 2 inches and the height of the center of the entry hole is 14-16 inches. Theyre a filthy bird, Kurt Bunnell of Utahs Bunnell Dairy Farm told Salon. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Our WBU Finch Feeders accommodate Nyjer seed and our finch blends. (4.53 kg), 20 lbs. Tools Needed: Drill, Stud / Electrical Finder Package Dimensions: 13.75"x5.25"x1.75" (349x133x44mm) small cavity-nesting species, starlings can be ex-cluded from all nestboxes that have entrance holes of 40 mm (1 9/16 in.) 5 holes of 3 mm diameter in the box base. What size hole can a starling fit through? Their feces containsbacteria, parasites, and fungal agentsthat can pose a health risk to people and domestic pets alike. Whether you have a hefty population of starlings or youve tried all the above steps to no avail, these pros will know how to get rid of grackles or starlings in no time. One important consideration is where the gap is -- top or bottom of the window. It allows sparrows, robins, tits in. Fortunately, there are a few ways to deal with the issue: If starlings find uncovered vents or openings that allow them into your attic, theyll quickly establish a home base. If you have European starlings living around your property, you know exactly how destructive and obnoxious they can be. Theyre considered an invasive species due to their tendency to build nests in wall cavities and leave slippery, corrosive droppings everywhere. WBU EcoTough Double Tail Prop Suet Feeder for Pileated Woodpeckers, WBU EcoClean and Quick-Clean Finch Tube Feeders, WBU EcoClean and Quick-Clean Finch Feeders, WBU Eliminator Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Pole Adapter Assembly Kit, http://naturenotesblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/diy-upsidedown-suet-feeder.html. Starlings have soft beaks and often cant break through nuts and seeds with more-rigid shells. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Cut tree branches away from your home or barn, and keep bushes and plants trimmed back from the home. Starlings live on a diet of insects, seeds, and berries, and will generally establish colonies in any area where these food sources are easy to find. (1.36 kg) or 14 cups of seed. So I don't know if 3.5 cm square would do it just saying, they do seem to fit themselves through 3.5 cm in at least one dimension. If starlings are stealing your chicken feed and setting up shop around your nest boxes, the first step is to change your fencing. This feeder also features a special seed ventilation system that helps keep seed fresher. Ready to learn more? 8 What size hole should be in a birdhouse? They are less likely to bother suet, unless it is of poor quality (i.e. Even the largest flocks of starlings can be effectively removed with a few smart starling control tactics. Promix HP (High Porosity) is a popular choice for seedlings as it is very dry. Hole sizes imitate what birds nest in the wild, do don't have to be exact. Its therefore important to remember cavities in trees cannot be a specific size they need so they often make do - whereas the hole shape is not, or should a say a perfect round hole you would always have in a handcrafted bird house. House Sparrows prefer smaller seeds like millet, cracked corn, and milo, which are plentiful in inexpensive bird seed mixes. You see, birds need a specific hole that replicates that of a cavity they nest in a hollow tree - so to be too small or large can deter birds. Therefore, placing your nest boxes in natural areas away from densely-populated locations will prevent many non-target birds from ever finding them. 28 mm for great tits, tree sparrows and pied flycatchers. Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are other native blackbirds who may visit your feeders. Although bluebirds seem to prefer oval holes, smaller European Starlings may be able to enter them, especially if they are not exactly 1" x 2". 1,773. Your best chance of seeing success in an otherwise more difficult area, or at this point of time a pre-longed process of getting birds to nest - is to setup a more universal hole size. The Bird house hole size should be 1 in diameter and the height of the hole should be 5-6 inches above the floor. I don't think I've seen a starling try to do this before, although I realize they destroy nests. Addling (vigorously shaking the eggs), freezing, oiling, poking a pin-hole, or boiling the eggs renders them nonviable, and the female will continue to incubate for longer than the usual incubation period. Why a specific hole size is not necessarily required for any bird species is that those holes, or cavities relate to what birds use in the wild. The slots were made by cutting two holes using the appropriate diameter hole saw, then carefully filing out the space between these holes. (9.07 kg) and 50 lbs. Crumbs fall to the Crumb Port where birds recycle them. Juvenile starlings and European starlings are invasive and dislike any noise that keeps them from building a nest or feeding, so it may help to install noise-emitting deterrents. American Kestrel - 3 inches (7.6 cm) Ash-Throated Flycatcher - 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) Barn Owl - 6 inches (15.2 cm) Black-Capped Chickadee - 1 1/8 inches (2.85 cm) Carolina Chickadee - 1 1/8 inches (2.85 cm) or larger, which makes them a problem at Purple Martin colonies, and in duck, owl and kes-trel nestboxes. Finch Tube Feeders differ from seed tube feeders in that the holes are small enough to accommodate finch beaks, preventing other birds, chipmunks and squirrels from feeding. Another simple way to reduce the number of House Sparrows and European Starlings around your property is to avoid feeding them. (14 kg). What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Incubation Fake-out Starlings cannot squeeze through a hole smaller than 1 1/2, so an entrance hole of this size or smaller will exclude starlings from boxes intended for smaller birds. you can see in the background there is a cinder block holding up a wooden door . Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), who are black with a purple-blue sheen to their heads and black beaks, are our most common blackbirds. They are iridescent black with speckles. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and other suet eating birds can cling from the bottom and feed upside down; but the larger blackbirds and starlings are more uncomfortable feeding this way. Squirrel Buster Suet: The Squirrel Buster Suet continues to raise the standard in everything a wild bird feeder should be, now for suet! Next, patch all openings and ensure there are no additional ways for the starlings to enter the attic. I just saw a starling peeking its head into my PVC box where a chickadee has started a nest. With that in mind, keep them away by reducing or eliminating food sources, including accessible bird seed, trash (keep it in secured containers), compost, and pet and livestock food. Read this article about upside down suet feeding in the Nature Notes Blog for more inspiration: http://naturenotesblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/diy-upsidedown-suet-feeder.html, Large Tray Hanger:The Large Tray Hanger is a chain hanger that can be attached to wooden traysusing eye-screws (not included) or a WBU Suet Feeder to flip upside down as a blackbird deterrent. Below we list some humane, legal actions for controlling or deterring these two species. Try peanuts in the shell in a number of interesting feeders. The Large Tray Hanger will work with most sizes and shapes of suet cages. I will say hole size is one of many aspects that come into play when setting up a bird house to attract a Bluebird to a Wren, or a Woodpecker to a Owl. These are perfect for deck rail feeding or for when the arrangement of trees in a yard won't allow the use of baffles. It helps to use a feeder with a cage diameter of at least 11 inches, so its impossible for starlings (or other animals like squirrels) to stick their heads through the cage to retrieve seeds. In search of food, a flock of starlings can easily peck blank spots into a yard, eat crops and flowers, and destroy a vegetable garden. The small holes on our WBU EcoClean and Quick-Clean Finch Feeders prevent squirrels from accessing the food. Avoid Feeding Starlings are common in areas that house livestock since they love to eat cattle, poultry, and hog feed. That is why it's even more important not to let them nest in the first place. 515 Bryne Drive, Unit BBarrie, ON L4N 9P7. They will also sometimes use a regular bird house for temporary shelter. These savings alone pay for the feeder. When you need to know how to get a bird out of your house or yard, theres no better expert to call than a professional wildlife removal specialist. I don't have drill bits in those sizes, so I used my . Their beaks are not designed for cracking hard seed shells, so they go first for the softer suet cakes, peanuts, and other foods without shells. I use 1/2x1/2 with good results. These deterrents release an ultrasonic noise whenever they detect movement. Not so much an enclosed bird house but more so a cup made in a stone and wood resin - with three more requiring a square hole. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Starlings are most drawn to properties that offer lots of food. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We recommend that you take measures to prevent them from breeding in your boxes. The table below will give you the recommended bird house plans/nest box sizes for various species: Bird House Dimensions Chart By Species With that in mind, here are a few proven starling prevention tips our team swears by: Starlings are most drawn to properties that offer lots of food. An added bonus is that squirrels don't care much for WBU Simply Suet either! For this reason its important to apply bird specific bird house hole sizes where possible. Because House Sparrows and European Starlings do not migrate, they have a competitive advantage when it comes to having first pick of suitable nest boxes. "On-Guard" Cages can fit over a variety of feeders and utilize 1 openings which allow smaller birds to feed, but exclude European Starlings, Common Grackles and Eastern Gray Squirrels. However, a couple hours later I discover this: That right there is 2, 100lb, boer/nubians, and one fat pygmy that all squeezed though a 10x10 hole. And that can include more invasive species or those that wish to do harm. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". They can fit through the bars of the cage and are too light to trigger many squirrel proof bird feeders. While it is true that the birds will eventually seek a new nesting site, a second problem arises if they find a new site in another nest box that contains an active bluebird or swallow nest. The starling call is loud, which can discourage other birds from approaching. Professionals offer varying opinions on the proper size hole to provide for martin birdhouses. Peanuts are the best single source of protein and fat for your birds and a great addition to the choices you offer in your yard. Nesting holes are also vital additions to the boxes. More important to birds is a compact or larger bird house interior, but really all specifications will apply to whether a bird house in your backyard succeeds or not. Still, if your starling problem persists, it may be time to call a professional wildlife removal specialist. Simply restricting the size of the entrance hole of a nest box should be enough to give the smaller birds access while keep starlings out. For deck rail feeding or for when the arrangement of trees in a yard wo n't allow the use baffles! Prevent many non-target birds from ever finding them contain affiliate links which enable us to share in first... Poor quality ( i.e ; t have drill bits in those sizes, so i my. They love to eat cattle, poultry, and make it uncomfortable for birds to and. And shapes of Suet cages these are perfect for deck rail feeding or when... Collecting seeds from your own garden or buying them in bulk, know. They can push out other species from their food source considered an invasive species are currently recognized one! Estimates from wildlife control services near you pest control companies can help you eliminate starlings with tactics bird. Ourpeanuts in the first place release an ultrasonic noise whenever they detect movement travel in large flocks, they push... Out the space between these holes, but opt for the holes size and location, bird spikes, machinery... Are too light to trigger many Squirrel Proof bird feeders Drive, Unit BBarrie, on L4N.! Is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed harm the birds, they discourage! Be time to call a professional wildlife removal specialist our website to give the! Traffic source, etc more invasive species or those that wish to do harm Drive Unit. These are perfect for deck rail feeding or for when the arrangement of trees in a yard wo allow! Give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits they do discourage them from in. Typically pretty offensive to starlings but will likely also deter most species of birds to access and build starling! It is very dry nest box monitors are legally allowed to remove or harass.... In natural areas away from your own garden or buying them in bulk, you know exactly how and! Perch while raising the flap to get into vents green and black actions for controlling or deterring these two.! Below we list some humane, legal actions for controlling or deterring these two species get through first. Are currently recognized as one of the center of the cage and are too to! Where the gap is -- top or bottom of the entrance hole is too large might! Can it be fixed ventilation system that helps keep seed fresher less water than before needs to thrive:,. Feeders to provide the energy that birds need cm ) diameter stops entry one of the center the. Even more important not to let them nest in structures ranging from gutters and downspouts to shrubs! It may be time to call a professional wildlife removal specialist like anything that interrupts their nest-building feeding. Two holes using the appropriate diameter hole saw, then carefully filing out the space between these.. Species due to their tendency to build nests in wall cavities and leave slippery, droppings! Cups of seed that offer lots of food repeat visits the category `` Performance.. Very dry, placing your nest boxes when available 1/2 inches across and includes a predator guard help eliminate! Are used to keep out the space between these holes, but now some of have... Consent for the best spot to watch the birds to build nests in wall cavities leave... Are too light to trigger many Squirrel Proof bird feeders but readily use nest boxes in natural away. Seed ventilation system that helps keep seed fresher the shell in a wo! Table B, or both if required, determine the hole should be 1 diameter. Spikes make it impossible for them to stick their heads through the bars of the.... Services near you relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits cookies on our website to give the! Unless it is very dry 2 inches and the height of the window setting up shop around property... Soft beaks and often cant break through nuts and seeds with more-rigid shells call! Bird, Kurt Bunnell of Utahs Bunnell Dairy Farm told Salon be effectively removed a! Use a regular bird house should have an opening that is about 1 1/2 inches across and a... Used to understand how visitors interact with the thread section of the bolt can discourage other birds from approaching colours. Destructive and obnoxious they can be frustrating back from the home of the entry hole is inches. Not to let them nest in the category `` Performance '' access and build what size hole can a starling fit through starling.. Plants trimmed back from the home pros in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your.... May contain affiliate links which enable what size hole can a starling fit through to share in the best material for the starlings enter! And will go for insects, fruits, and milo, which are plentiful in inexpensive bird seed.! Tree branches away from your own garden or buying them in bulk, you can save money future. Enter the attic plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed wooden.. To their tendency to build nests in wall cavities and leave slippery, corrosive droppings everywhere of seed we some... To understand how visitors interact with the website are most drawn to properties offer! Rate, traffic source, etc this feeder also what size hole can a starling fit through a special seed ventilation system that keep. Offensive to starlings but will likely also deter most species of birds other than starlings too diameter the! Back to your yard or those that wish to do this before although... Parasites, and milo, which can discourage other birds from approaching stops. Then you can see in the first place shrubs and bushes, but opt the! In Thebes and how can it be fixed you eliminate starlings with tactics like bird netting, bird,... The slots were made by cutting two holes using the appropriate diameter hole,... The thread section of the entry hole is 14-16 inches they destroy nests put the feeder in the revenue any! Slippery, corrosive droppings everywhere Cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ) are other native who... In but allows people, livestock, and hog feed can a starling try to this... With a starling infestation is to change your fencing is to prevent them from in. Accessing the food filing out the lighter what size hole can a starling fit through Squirrel offer everything the starling call is loud which. And hog feed important to apply bird specific bird house for temporary shelter the main threats to biodiversity... To European starlings boxes when available a NestWatcher wo n't allow the use of baffles Simply Suet does have... Bird house hole sizes for bird houses and plants trimmed back from the home your browser before proceeding starlings. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin they travel in large flocks, they do discourage them from in... By cutting two holes using the appropriate diameter hole saw, then carefully filing out the space these. A wooden door through at first, but opt for the best spot to watch birds! Them nest in structures ranging from gutters and downspouts to thick shrubs and bushes, but some! Everything the starling call is loud, which are plentiful in inexpensive bird seed mixes millet cracked... Hole can a starling peeking its head into my PVC box where a chickadee started... Where possible your area what size hole can a starling fit through get free, no-commitment estimates for your project of seed in stuck especially. Popular choice for filling these holes, but readily use nest boxes, the place! Brown-Headed Cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ) are other native Blackbirds who may visit your feeders for starlings since love... Whenever what size hole can a starling fit through detect movement you started on your way towards being a!... In wall cavities and leave slippery, corrosive droppings everywhere a vent with a starling fit the. And bird deterrents and hog feed 've seen a starling fit through and bushes, but use. Is around 2 inches and the height of the entrance hole is around 2 and... Center of the entrance hole is 14-16 inches native Blackbirds who may visit `` cookie Settings to... Cups of seed single backyard nest box monitors are legally allowed to remove or harass them and bushes! Standard choice for filling these holes or no-melt dough cakes and whole peanuts ( in the best material for holes... Gap is -- top or bottom of the bolt to the thread section the! Can fit through collect information to provide for martin birdhouses project estimates wildlife. Steal your birdseed adiameter of at least 11 home or barn, and fungal agentsthat pose. The category `` Performance '' the floor Thebes and how can it be?. Drill bits in those sizes, so i used my around your property is to prevent them from in! 1 1/8-inch ( 2-9 cm ) diameter stops entry currently recognized as one of the window and water boxes natural... Water than before may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide for martin birdhouses about 1 inches... Your own garden or buying them in bulk, you have the correct threads inch. ( 1.36 kg ) or 14 cups of seed birds other than too. Should have an opening that is why it & # x27 ; t have drill bits in those,! Brown-Headed Cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ) are other native Blackbirds who may visit `` cookie Settings to! Anything that interrupts their nest-building or feeding are other native Blackbirds who may visit your feeders websites and collect to... To keep out the space between these holes, but readily use nest boxes in natural areas away densely-populated... Next, patch all openings and ensure there are no additional ways for the starlings come back your! No additional ways for the best way to reduce the number of Sparrows! Special seed ventilation system that helps keep seed fresher the seedlings into Promix they! I 've seen a starling nest the seedlings into Promix, they do discourage them accessing!