Review: 31143 Birdhouse
Posted by Huw,
The Creator theme has provided us with some exceptional sets over the last few years and that trend looks to continue during 2023, with a strong emphasis on birds and animals.
31143 Birdhouse is one of two that have just been released, and I was immediately drawn to its novel subject matter and colourful birds, so it was a day 1 purchase in my local brand store last week.
Summary
31143 Birdhouse, 476 pieces.
£24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99 | 5.3p/6.3c/6.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
A lovely model that will delight young and old alike
- Cute and colourful birds
- Good alternate models
- Sand green foliage
- Nothing
Parts are provided in numbered bags which is both good and bad in the case of Creator sets: Good in that it makes it easier to build the main model, but also bad because it therefore encourages you to build it first.
The main model stands about 29cm high and is something of a cross between a bird feeding table and a nesting box. I don't think real birds would be tempted to nest in such a low-level structure, but it hasn't bothered these ABS ones.
The stand is built studs-out, around a 2x2 core formed using 67329 BRICK 1X2X1 2/3, W/ 8 KNOBS. Technic axles protrude from three sides to provide somewhere for the birds to perch. A food tray hangs from one of them, obscured in the photo below by the red bird.
The sand green 2423 LIMB ELEMENT, SMALL are unique to this set and a welcome addition to the green-y colours that this versatile foliage piece is available in.
The box is an interesting angular shape, with sides that are hinged to allow access the interior.
Inside there's a nest, with a newly-hatched chick and an egg within. The chick does not resemble any of the adult birds: perhaps it's a cuckoo...
Five birds of various species and colours habitate or feed at the house. They are largely the same design, although there are minor variations in their backs, beaks and crests.
They are all very cute, but my favourite is the blue tit.
Alternate models
The B and C models continue the outdoor/garden theme and when I find the time between the myriad other reviews in my backlog I will build them.
Apiary
The beehouse is also constructed studs-out. The roof lifts off to enable the honeycomb to be slotted into the middle of it.
Animals on bench
The hedgehog and squirrel look adorable sitting on this sizeable and sturdy bench.
Verdict
The birdhouse is an unusual and attractive model that that will delight young and old alike. The structure itself is built in an interesting way and the birds themselves are adorable.
Although I've not built them yet, the alternate models also look pretty good, but perhaps not good enough to warrant buying three of the set to have them all built at once.
The 476-piece set costs $29.99 / £24.99 / €29.99 which, in common with other Creator sets that are devoid of minifigs and licences, is pretty good value, even before the inevitable discount at Amazon later in the year.
205 likes
37 comments on this article
I love these adorable birds! That's going straight onto my wanted list!
I really hope it's not a cuckoo. Those birds deserve far better than that mess.
Very cute little model! Between this and the upcoming Parrot set, Lego is going all-out with the bird love this year!
This looks really nice. How tall is it?
Would be awesome if the adult birds fit inside.
I wasn't planning on getting this, but those birds are so cute! I might have to now...
Especially love the Cardinal, which are rather common where I live.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this set could have included a blue canary and a light switch.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Not to put too fine a point on it, but this set could have included a blue canary and a light switch."
And the B model needs a bonnet...
I like it! I plan on using it as an aviary signpost for my zoo.
The hatching resembles a hummingbird. Odd choice. I'll probably replace the beak.
So even when they're brick-built, Lego eggs are too big for the birds to have laid them. That nitpick aside, this is a very cute model, and I'm with @Kalhiki on the cardinal.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Not to put too fine a point on it, but this set could have included a blue canary and a light switch."
I respect that a lot.
@woosterlegos said:
"This looks really nice. How tall is it?"
The birdhouse is almost 29 cm high. Beautiful set!
What are those chains behind the red bird for? I'm not sure I like that but everything else looks nice.
@Crispy_Bricks said:
"What are those chains behind the red bird for? I'm not sure I like that but everything else looks nice. "
I think it's supposed to be a swing?
Ordered this just after it dropped. Unfortunately, my order is stuck in Backorder limbo. :(
Why are all of those bees giving me side-eye?! They may not be killer bees, but something tells me they're up to no good!
Stop me if you've heard this one. There's a hedgehog and a squirrel sitting in a park bench with a large crabapple...
Great little set! Main build is pretty much perfect, and while a lot smaller, both alternate builds are very nice. Creator at its best!
@imemine98 said:
" @Crispy_Bricks said:
"What are those chains behind the red bird for? I'm not sure I like that but everything else looks nice. "
I think it's supposed to be a swing?"
"Technic axles protrude from three sides to provide somewhere for the birds to perch. A food tray hangs from one of them, obscured in the photo below by the red bird."
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @imemine98 said:
" @Crispy_Bricks said:
"What are those chains behind the red bird for? I'm not sure I like that but everything else looks nice. "
I think it's supposed to be a swing?"
"Technic axles protrude from three sides to provide somewhere for the birds to perch. A food tray hangs from one of them, obscured in the photo below by the red bird.""
@Huw is going to be so pleased that someone actually read. ;)
So the birds are:
- house sparrow
- greenfinch
- red cardinal
- blue tit
- canary
and the chick is a baby greenfich with the pink resembling his skin without feathers?
Am i close?
That part holding the birds' feet (30166) it is 2 studs wide (2x3). If only Lego could make a similar part only 1 stud wide.
This one is not for me (the parrot or rabbit maybe), but nice little set. I wonder if my mum would like to build this. Already out of stock here.
Creator is best series <3
https://brickset.com/article/27504/which-is-the-best-brickheadz-set
@CapnRex101 this poll doesn't have a results page
The squirrel will regret it if he eats that Carolina reaper.
Love it!
Not to put too fine a point on it
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
@Horesz1994 said:
"https://brickset.com/article/27504/which-is-the-best-brickheadz-set
@CapnRex101 this poll doesn't have a results page"
We do not publish a separate results article for most polls, but you can vote and then view the results.
Lots of good reviews lately with nothing in the bad column! This is great!
@CapnRex101 said:
" @Horesz1994 said:
"https://brickset.com/article/27504/which-is-the-best-brickheadz-set
@CapnRex101 this poll doesn't have a results page"
We do not publish a separate results article for most polls, but you can vote and then view the results."
ah, thanks for fixing it.
I knew this set was a winner! Thanks for the review. I really want to get this.
The blue what? Might be my new favorite bird ??
All three builds are delightful. This set shows the strength of Creator 3-in-1 and their brick built animals.
@Schmidt said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Not to put too fine a point on it, but this set could have included a blue canary and a light switch."
I respect that a lot."
I'd be fired if that were my job.
Cute set! Although I have never seen birds with rectangular/gray feet
Looks like a very nice set at that price, even just for parts it has very interesting pieces in useful colors.
Like other countless screaming argonauts I will be getting this set, the creator range reminds us that the Lego group can produce quality, affordable sets that encourage imagination and not just expensive ornaments
Five birds with only four perches, seems like one birdie will not be happy! The alternatives are different, but there must be lots of pieces left over to expand more.
Day One purchase so not provided by Lego for review? This set will be this year's Fish Tank hard to get gold off as Shop Lego or the Entertainer have it only.
@StyleCounselor said:
"Ordered this just after it dropped. Unfortunately, my order is stuck in Backorder limbo. :("
Same here. Original delivery date was some time in March.