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Purple martin bird house plans, plans include free PDF download (link at bottom of blog post), illustrated instructions, and material list.
This purple martin bird house has 16 bird house units that measure 6″x6″ each.
Purple Martin Bird House Plans – Overview
Purple Martin Bird House Plans – Material List
Shopping List
Shopping List
2 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 4’x8′ sheet
1 1/2″ deck screws
Cutting List
Cutting List
A – 2 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 17 3/4″ x 24 5/8″
B – 3 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 26 1/4″ x 17 3/4″
C – 2 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 6″ x 26 1/4″
D – 6 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 6″ x 12 3/4″
E – 1 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 14 9/16″ x 31 3/4″
F – 1 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 15 5/16″ x 31 3/4″
G – 4 – 3/4″ exterior plywood – 6″ x 27 3/4″
Cut two pieces of plywood to 17 3/4″ x 24 5/8″ (A), cut the roof peak at 45 degree as shown on illustration above.
Finish cutting the bird house sides (A) as shown on illustration above.
Cut three pieces of plywood to 26 1/4″ x 17 3/4″ (B), install as shown above. Drill pilot holes and screw 1 1/2″ deck screws through (A) and into (B).
Cut two pieces of plywood to 6″ x 26 1/4″ (C), notch as shown on illustration above.
Cut six pieces of plywood to 6″ x 12 3/4″ (D), notch as shown on illustration above.
Slide (D) into (C) as shown on illustration above.
Install (C) (D).
Cut a piece of plywood to 14 9/16″ x 31 3/4″ (E) and one piece of plywood to 15 5/16″ x 31 3/4″ (F). Drill pilot holes and install using 1 1/2″ deck screws. Screw through the roof (E) (F) and into the sides (A).
Cut four pieces of plywood to 6″ x 27 3/4″ (G). Cut out the bird house entrance.
Slide (G) into the bird house, sand if necessary.
Purple martin bird houses can be very heavy, mount and secure properly.
very good design, been looking for this awhile. plan to build one or two this winter for the spring.
This looks like a great project for a species which is fairly rare, at least in these parts (NE). However, there does not appear to be dimensions for the entry holes, nor information on how high to mount and where. Many bird species are very particular about where they’ll nest, and the size of the cavity hole – most martin nest houses I’ve seen are about 15-20′ high on a very sturdy post, in open field. I’m sure there’s info online. Otherwise you might as well call it an English sparrow house, because these aggressive non-native pests will take over.
Round entrances are typically 2-1/4″ diameter with the bottom 1″ above the floor. However, with these smaller 6x6x6 suites, there is a semi-circle entrance that helps protect the eggs and chicks from preditors. Check out the Purple Martin Society web site for additional info, including their new size recommendations. They can also assist with height recommendations. Keep the entrances blocked until the first Martins begin to arrive.
What is the spacing and dimensions for the holes on the 6″ x 27.25″ piece for the circles
How do I cut the slots in diagram “A” to accommodate the door panels that slide in (panel G)
You can use a drill to make a small hole, next use a jigsaw with a straightedge to keep the cuts straight.
Like me. you are probably going to have to revise some of your Martin House plans. The current recommendation from the Purple Martin Society is that each nesting pair should have a space that is 6″ x 6″ x 12″ deep with a divider wall with a 2-1/4″ door opening between the two “rooms” of the suite. This is to protect the eggs and hatchlings from preditors and allows both parents inside the Birthing Suite(s) at the same time.
will it work with these plans or do I have to revise what I have?
comment convertire les mesure en francais cordialement
Pour avoir les centimetres, prendres ton calculatrice, et multiplies les pouces par 2.54.
am looking for a simple set of plains that are correct sizes for entrance and room size height off the ground and best material to use.
The cavity size needs to be larger.
12 inches deep and 7 inches wide with 6 inch headroom is now recommended. These dimensions can be easily adjusted to and will provide less constrictive space and better protection from rainwater. There also needs to be water drain holes in the floors. Water intrusion is very bad for chicks.
very good plans thanks
Could you send me some plans and patterns to me by regular mail. 1219 Cedar Grove Church Rd. Roxboro North Carolina 27574
cant find your zip file for this bird house