Description
This bird likes to breed in old, even rotting, nest boxes. So don't panic if the nest box for the collared redstart is not immediately occupied in the first few years. So it is never a bad idea to leave other old nest boxes hanging. Collared Redstarts prefer large entrance hole and.
Because the oval opening of the nest box is slightly larger than a circular opening, more light enters the box, while large birds still cannot enter. The oval opening is also used by the male to show his courtship while standing.
PLACEMENT
Because the collared redstart breeds less often in buildings than the black redstart, it is recommended to hang the box on trees or shrubs. If the box is placed at the end of March/beginning of April, there is a greater chance that it will not yet be occupied by tits when the collared redstart returns from migration. Old forests and parks with some old pine trees are preferred. Place the nest box at a height of two to five meters with the opening to the east or northeast.
MAINTENANCE
This bird usually returns to the nest from the year before, it is therefore important to clean out the nest during autumn. Cleaning can be done via the front, which is easy to open.