Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box

Box Design

Use natural, uncoated wood such as cedar or redwood, which are more durable than pine or exterior plywood. Use boards that are at least ¾ inch thick.  The entrance hole should be 3 inches round.

You may consider raising the floor of the nest box ¼ inch up from the bottom of the box to prevent rotting.

Place a couple of inches of sawdust or wood chips in the bottom of the box for nesting material.

• Eastern Screech-Owl nest box design with instructions
  
• Eastern Screech-Owl nest box plans
• Eastern screech owls will also readily nest in Wood Duck boxes.
• Eastern Screech-Owls will use the same box design that is recommended for American Kestrels
•  Use of a predator guard on the nest pole is recommended.

Box Placement

The nest box should be placed at least 10 feet high on the edge of woods, fields, or wetlands.

To prevent use by squirrels, the box should be mounted on a pole with a predator guard and placed away from trees.

Boxes should not be placed in areas where there is extensive use of insecticides and herbicides.

Box Monitoring

Periodically check nest boxes throughout the spring to determine use by Screech-Owls or other wildlife.

Remove European Starling nests as necessary.

Depending on nest box use, replacement of the wood chips after the breeding season may be necessary