Unusual Birdhouses for Unusual Birds

First, we have the Cowbird. There are the Brown-headed Cowbird, the Shiny Cowbird, and the Bronzed Cowbird. The male Cowbirds have iridescent black plumage. They like open habitats and range through much of North America.

The Cowbirds are what is known as brood parasites. They lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and let those birds do all the work of raising the chicks.

A Cowbird looks like this:

A Cow Birdhouse looks something like this:

Next we have the Catbird. The Grey Catbird is a good-sized Eastern shorebird often found in dense vegetation. It is called a catbird because it has a distinctive call like a cat's meow. If disturbed, they may run on the ground rather than fly.

A Catbird looks like this:

A Cat Birdhouse could look something like this:

The Redbird may be any of several birds with red plumage. It usually refers to the Cardinal or Tanager.

A Redbird may look like this:








A Red Birdhouse might look like this:

There are Eastern Bluebirds, Mountain Bluebirds, and Western Bluebirds. Bluebirds are smaller and are most often seen in open habitats, such as agricultural areas and wood edges. The males all have bright blue plumage, though the colors of the throat and breast will vary.

Some Bluebirds look like this:










A Blue Birdhouse could look like this:

The Red-winged Blackbird frequents marshy habitats in summer, open habitats at other times of year. It can be told from other blackbirds by the bright red patch on its shoulder.

A Red-winged Blackbird looks like this:

A Red-winged Black Birdhouse might look like this:>







Lets see how we can make these birdhouses.

Make a Birdhouse

Supplies:

• Empty rinsed out milk carton - quart or individual size
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Tacky Glue
• Construction paper (White for Cowbird, Red for Redbird, Blue for Bluebird, Black and Red for Red-winged Blackbird, your choice for Catbird - Grey, Brown, White, Black, etc. Brown or Black paper can be used for the roof.)
• A black marker
• Ribbon or Christmas Ornament hanger (optional)

Directions:

1. First staple shut the top of the carton. If this is a quart carton, cut about 1/3 off the sides and get rid of bottom. Fold the front and back to form a new bottom. Be sure to crease where you fold and glue it closed.
2. Choose the color construction paper for the birdhouse you want to make. Using brown or black, cut the paper to cover the top (roof line). Glue on with tacky glue. Using the special color for your bird, cut the sides and bottom. Glue on with tacky glue. Cut paper to cover front and back. Glue with tacky glue.

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