Creating a bird-friendly landscape means choosing the right trees and shrubs that offer both food and shelter. Birds rely on these plants for nesting, protection, and sustenance throughout the seasons. Whether you're looking to attract songbirds, hummingbirds, or even raptors, these trees and shrubs will help you support your local avian population. By thoughtfully selecting a mix of species, you can create a diverse and inviting habitat that ensures birds find what they need to thrive all year long.
1. Oak (Quercus spp.)
Oaks are one of the best trees for birds. They provide acorns that support many species, including woodpeckers, jays, and wild turkeys. The dense canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for numerous birds. Additionally, oaks host hundreds of caterpillar species, a vital food source for baby birds. They are hardy, long-lived trees that enhance biodiversity. White and red oak varieties are particularly beneficial. Their sturdy branches also make great roosting spots.
2. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Serviceberry trees offer small, sweet berries that birds love, including robins, cedar waxwings, and bluebirds. They bloom in early spring, providing nectar for pollinators. Their multi-stemmed growth makes excellent nesting sites and shelter. Serviceberries are adaptable to different soil conditions and climates. They have stunning fall foliage, adding beauty to any garden. Their berries ripen early in the season, giving birds an important food source before summer.
3. Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Dogwoods produce bright red berries that attract cardinals, mockingbirds, and thrushes. Their dense branching structure offers safe nesting spots and cover from predators. In spring, their flowers provide nectar for insects that birds feed on. Dogwoods are adaptable and thrive in a variety of soil types. They bring year-round beauty with white or pink flowers, rich green foliage, and vibrant fall colors. Birds rely on their berries through the colder months.
4. Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)
Elderberries are a favorite of birds like thrushes, bluebirds, and orioles. The shrubs produce clusters of small, purple-black berries that are high in nutrients. Elderberry plants grow quickly and form dense thickets, which are ideal for nesting and shelter. Their fragrant white flowers attract pollinators and insects that birds eat. While elderberries do attract various bird species, they are not particularly favored by bluebirds. Bluebirds primarily consume insects and prefer open habitats, whereas elderberries are more commonly found in moist, wooded areas.
5. Crabapple (Malus spp.)
While some crabapple varieties do retain their fruit into winter, this is not universal across all species. The persistence of fruit depends on the specific cultivar and environmental conditions. Birds such as cedar waxwings, blue jays, and finches feast on the small apples. Their spring blossoms attract pollinators, which in turn support insect-eating birds. Crabapples are easy to grow and come in many varieties suited to different climates. Their dense branches provide nesting and shelter. These trees also add ornamental value with their colorful blooms and fruits.
6. Sumac (Rhus spp.)
Sumac shrubs produce cone-shaped clusters of red berries that persist into winter. Many bird species feed on the berries, including chickadees, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. The shrubs form dense thickets, offering excellent protection from predators. Sumac is highly adaptable and thrives in poor soils, making it ideal for erosion control. Its striking red foliage in fall adds beauty to the landscape. The plants spread through underground runners, creating natural bird habitats. While indeed adaptable and growing in various soil types, their aggressive spreading habit can make them invasive in some areas, potentially outcompeting native vegetation.
7. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Hawthorns produce small, red fruits that attract thrushes, waxwings, and sparrows. The thorny branches offer excellent protection from predators and make great nesting sites. In spring, their white flowers provide nectar for insects that birds feed on. Hawthorns tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and are drought-resistant. Their fruits persist into winter, providing an essential food source during colder months. The dense growth habit makes them ideal for hedgerows.
8. Wild Cherry (Prunus spp.)
Wild cherry trees produce juicy cherries that are favored by robins, bluejays, and woodpeckers. Their flowers attract pollinators, which in turn support insect-eating birds. The trees' strong branches provide sturdy nesting sites. Wild cherries thrive in various soils and grow well in both sun and partial shade. Their leaves host caterpillars, an important food source for fledglings. Once established, these trees are relatively low-maintenance.
9. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Red cedars provide dense evergreen cover for birds year-round. Their bluish berries are a food source for cedar waxwings, robins, and bluebirds. The thick foliage offers excellent shelter from harsh weather and predators. Red cedars are highly adaptable and can thrive in dry, rocky soils. They are also resistant to pests and diseases. Their aromatic wood makes them popular in landscaping. Birds frequently nest in their dense branches, making them an invaluable addition to bird-friendly gardens.
10. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Viburnums are versatile shrubs that provide clusters of berries enjoyed by thrushes, bluebirds, and waxwings. Their dense foliage offers excellent shelter and nesting spots. Spring flowers attract pollinators, creating a rich ecosystem for insect-eating birds. Many viburnum species are highly adaptable, tolerating various soil types and climates. Once established, they are also drought-resistant. Some varieties, like arrowwood and nannyberry, are particularly bird-friendly.
11. Mulberry (Morus spp.)
Mulberries produce sweet, juicy berries that attract a wide range of birds, including orioles, cardinals, and finches. These fast-growing trees provide abundant fruit throughout the summer. Their spreading branches create excellent nesting sites and cover. Mulberries thrive in various soils and require little maintenance. The trees also support caterpillars, an important protein source for young birds. Their berries help sustain migratory birds during their long journeys. However, it's important to distinguish between native red mulberry (Morus rubra) and the invasive white mulberry (Morus alba). The latter can hybridize with the native species, leading to a decline in native mulberry populations.
12. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry holly is a deciduous shrub that produces bright red berries in fall and winter. Birds such as bluebirds, thrushes, and mockingbirds rely on these berries when other food is scarce. The dense branches provide protection from predators. Winterberry requires both male and female plants for berry production. It thrives in wet or well-drained soils and adapts to various landscapes. The berries persist into winter, offering a crucial food source.
13. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Chokecherries produce dark red to black berries that attract cedar waxwings, grosbeaks, and flickers. Their spring blossoms support pollinators, benefiting insect-eating birds. The tree's dense growth provides excellent nesting sites. Chokecherries are hardy and tolerate a range of conditions, including dry soils. They spread easily, creating natural hedgerows that shelter birds. The fruits are high in antioxidants and provide vital nutrients. Birds help disperse the seeds, promoting natural regeneration.
14. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American beech trees provide nuts that sustain woodpeckers, chickadees, and jays. Their smooth bark and sturdy branches make ideal nesting sites. Beech trees host a variety of insects, supporting a diverse bird population. They grow slowly but develop into majestic shade trees. Their golden-brown leaves persist into winter, offering additional cover. Beech nuts are an important winter food source.
15. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Black cherry trees produce small, dark berries that birds adore, including robins, grosbeaks, and warblers. Their fragrant spring flowers attract pollinators and insects. The tree’s tall stature offers excellent nesting and roosting opportunities. Black cherry trees are adaptable and can thrive in many soil types. Their leaves support numerous caterpillar species, crucial for fledgling birds. The fruits ripen in late summer, providing food during migration periods. While the fruit is indeed consumed by various bird species, it's worth noting that the leaves, twigs, and bark contain cyanogenic compounds, which can be toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities.
16. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Hackberry trees produce small, orange to dark purple fruits when ripe and are loved by waxwings, thrushes, and finches. The tree's thick foliage provides shade and protection for nesting birds. Hackberries are highly resilient and can withstand drought, pollution, and poor soils. They support many butterfly and moth larvae, offering additional food for birds. The fruit remains available well into winter, making it a reliable food source. They also serve as host plants for caterpillars that birds depend on.
17. Bayberry (Myrica spp.)
Bayberry shrubs produce waxy berries that attract tree swallows, catbirds, and yellow-rumped warblers. The dense foliage provides excellent nesting and roosting areas. Bayberry is a tough, salt-tolerant shrub that thrives in coastal and sandy soils. It requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to pests. The berries persist throughout winter, giving birds a crucial cold-weather food source. Their aromatic leaves add a unique touch to the landscape.
18. Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Persimmon trees produce large, orange fruits that are a favorite of bluebirds, flickers, and woodpeckers. Their strong branches provide excellent perching and nesting spots. Persimmons tolerate dry, sandy, and rocky soils, making them hardy and adaptable. The trees provide nectar-rich flowers that attract insects, benefiting insect-eating birds. Their fruit ripens in fall and remains available into winter. Their slow growth makes them suitable for long-term wildlife-friendly plantings.
19. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush is a native shrub that produces small red berries favored by thrushes and catbirds. Its aromatic leaves and twigs deter deer but attract butterflies and other pollinators. Spicebush thrives in moist, shaded areas and is ideal for woodland gardens. The dense growth offers excellent shelter for nesting birds. In spring, its yellow flowers provide an early nectar source. The berries ripen in late summer, supplying food for migrating birds.
20. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Juniper trees and shrubs produce blue, berry-like cones that attract waxwings, bluebirds, and sparrows. Their dense evergreen foliage provides year-round cover and roosting spots. Junipers are highly drought-tolerant and grow well in poor soils. Their berries are high in energy, supporting birds during migration and winter months. The trees also provide excellent windbreaks and shelter from harsh weather. Their fragrant needles add to their appeal.
21. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American holly trees produce bright red berries that attract robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds. The dense branches also provide protection from predators. American holly adds ornamental beauty with its glossy green leaves. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round cover and nesting sites. Holly trees thrive in acidic, well-drained soils and tolerate partial shade. The berries persist through winter, offering a vital food source, but these bright red berries are toxic to humans if ingested, causing nausea and vomiting.
22. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Arrowwood viburnum produces dark blue berries that birds like cardinals, thrushes, and woodpeckers enjoy. The shrub’s dense, twiggy structure provides excellent nesting spots. It thrives in both wet and dry soils and adapts well to various conditions. In late spring, it blooms with creamy white flowers. Its berries ripen in late summer, supporting migratory birds. The shrub's vibrant fall foliage adds seasonal interest.
23. Wild Plum (Prunus americana)
Wild plum trees produce small, tart plums that attract birds like bluejays, grosbeaks, and woodpeckers. Their fragrant white blossoms in spring support pollinators. The trees provide sturdy nesting sites and shelter for birds. Once established, wild plums tolerate a variety of soils and are drought-resistant. The fruit ripens in late summer, providing a nutritious food source. Their spreading growth habit creates natural hedgerows. Wild plum thickets, however, can spread aggressively through root suckers, potentially requiring management to prevent unwanted spreading in certain landscapes.
Enhancing Your Landscape for Birds
Incorporating a variety of trees and shrubs into your landscape ensures that birds have access to food, shelter, and nesting sites throughout the year. Each plant species uniquely supports avian populations by providing berries, nuts, nectar, or safe hiding spots. By choosing native and bird-friendly plants, you help create a thriving habitat that supports biodiversity. Birds, in turn, help control insect populations and disperse seeds, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.