| "RE" NESTING COMMON SONGBIRDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, CA |
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This chart is intended for UNINJURED nestling birds only. Babies should be warm to the touch. Always keep birds safe from predators, cats and crows. Always watch for parent to come back. Please read "Are you a Birdnapper" first before attempting re-nesting. A ladder will be needed in most cases. Help usually comes from neighbors, friends, construction workers, tree trimmers & even firemen. WHEN USING DUCT TAPE, WIRE, TWINE, & CABLE TIES, BE SURE THAT THEY WON'T COME IN CONTACT WITH BIRDS.
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| SONGBIRD CARE & EDUCATION CENTER, Vicki Andersen: 714.964.0666 |
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SPECIES &
DESCRIPTION
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COMMON NESTING SITES
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NEST CONSTRUCTION
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HOW TO "RE" NEST
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BLACK PHOEBE
Black bird with white chest. Flycatcher. |
Needs "solid" overhang above nest. Usually buildings under roof overhang. |
Half-cup shaped nest. Mud mixed with grasses attached to side of stucco.
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If nest intact, can place babies back in nest. If destroyed, place babies in plastic container, wicker basket or cardboard box with nesting material, e.g., paper towels. Nail to stucco under roof overhang or onto platform. |
BUSHTITS
Very small grey bird. Usually in groups. |
Trees and bushes. |
Large sac-like nest with entrance near top. Suspended from several branches, made of fine plant materials, lined with feathers.
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Reconstruct nest if coming apart by sewing with needle & thread to recreate the sac. Attach back in/near same tree under foliage with twine or wire. Keep excess twine/wire hidden. Be sure to leave hole for parents to enter & exit. |
CLIFF SWALLOWS
Black, brown & white. Swooping flight. |
Near water.
Usually under roof overhang. |
Gourd-shaped mud structure lined with feathers. Spout-like entrance.
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Same as Black Phoebes.
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EUROPEAN STARLING
Drab, grey/brown. |
Cavities same as House Sparrow. Also nests in palm trees. |
Same as House Sparrow.
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Same as House Sparrows.
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GOLDFINCHES
Small bird, yellow and black. |
Usually small, sparse trees. |
Small tiny cup nest made from twigs & grasses.
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Put babies back in original nest and original location, containers or basket and secure with twine or wire in tree. Make sure extra twine and wire are hidden. Hide nest in foliage. |
HOUSE FINCHES
Brown with stripes/ speckled brown chest.
Adult male: red head & chest. |
Patios, crevices, front door entry. Do not usually nest in trees. |
Open cup nest made from twigs and grasses.
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Put babies back in original nest and original location. If nest is destroyed, use box/basket that will fit in crevice of original location. Place nesting material, e.g., paper towel or tissue, in containers and secure nest where found, using twine, wire, or duct tape. Keep wire/tape hidden. |
HOUSE SPARROW
Brown with solid grey chest. |
Cavities/holes. Roof-lines on houses. Under eaves/structures. Nest boxes. Don't usually nest in trees.
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Messy mass of vegetative matter, from twigs & grasses.
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Put babies in box or container at least 10" deep. Cover top and leave 3" x 3" opening for parents to enter & exit. On bottom, put nesting material, e.g., paper towel, tissue, pillow case, leftover nest. Hang from beam or eave w/wire/twine near original location. |
MOCKINGBIRDS
Grey & white. Dive-bombs cats & sometimes people to defend nest. |
Dense vegetation, Yucca trees, bushes and trees. |
Cup-shaped nest of coarse twigs, lined with finer grasses.
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Put babies in large box w/minimum 12" high sides. Place nesting material, paper towels or pillow case on bottom. Cover & leave room for parents to come & go, 4" x 4". Secure to branch under foliage w/cable ties, twine, wire, nails. Can be put back in same location or nearby. Babies very vocal so parents will find them. |
MOURNING DOVES
Smaller than Pigeon. Brown/tan black spots on wings. |
Patios, front door entryways,
large trees. |
Simple, flat platform of twigs or plant fibers.
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Will only have 2 babies. Basket works best with 2" - 3" sides. Large enough for 2 babies and 1 parent. Secure with cable ties, twine or wire, as close as possible to original location. |