A decorative bird house, made from wood or metal, provides shelter during ferocious storms and at times where there are strong or heavy winds. As such, in addition to being water resistant, a good decorative bird house should also be durable and well built. It should be warm in the winters and cool in the summers.

There is a wide range with many types and variations of bird houses available. Many bird owners are now opting for the elaborately hand painted decorative bird houses, which comes in a variety of themes such as an ark, lighthouses, lodges or wood cabins.

A good decorative bird house, which may range from Victorian styles to modern space satellites, should have most of the following important features that combines safety, security and easy access.

The location of the bird house is important. It may be hung at the garden or yard and there should not be a perch by the entrance as it may encourage natural predators such as cats. In addition, there should be a properly sized entrance hole and entry guard in it that keeps predators out.

The decorative bird houses should be easy to clean. They should be thoroughly cleaned at least once or twice a year to prevent nest parasites. As such, it should be equipped with side cleanouts that is easily removed.

Next, there must be ventilation holes such as a chimney shaped funnel at the top and drainage holes at the bottom of a good decorative bird house. It should have either an easy-open front or a latched backdoor with louvers for ventilation and drainage holes.

In addition, an outdoor decorative bird house should have a sturdy and solid wood construction. There is a choice of materials such as natural cedar, exterior grade ply-board or kin dried hardwood to endure many years of service. Their exterior should be painted with a weather-resistant finish of non-toxic paints.

A fully functional decorative bird house should have separate roosting or nesting cavities, preferably with protected entry holes at each end as well as nest holders with vent holes at the base to maintain stable temperatures.

Some of the decorative bird houses are beautifully constructed, with elaborately painted ornate moldings, flashes of colourful window trimmings along with a swooping turret roof and fanciful openings that allows viewing from the outside.

Springtime is usually the nesting season for birds. Although most birds are amazingly resilient, it can be a stressful experience whenever they move to a new place. Besides having to adjust to new sounds and sights, there is also a need to find a new home.

Bird houses create a safe haven for the birds and protect them from natural harm and disasters. With a little imagination, hang some unique decorative bird houses in the garden or yard. The varieties of birds will bring life and add a touch of charm to the place with their flashes of colours and chirpy songs.