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Birding plants
One of the many beautiful things gardens do is attract birds — watching playful birds flitting throughout the garden is a source of joy for a great many gardeners. Each of the plants on this page is attractive to one or more US bird species and planting a few different species is the right way of attracting several different birds. You might even be able to entice some adult birds into making a nest in one of your trees or shrubs.
How to attract birds to your garden — top tips for designing a garden for birds
The best way to attract birds to your garden depends on the types of birds you want to attract. For instance, if you're going to attract small birds to your garden, you’ll need to provide them with a safe space to hide from cats and other predators. The best way to do that is to plant lots of dense bushes and shrubs near a water bath or other source of water. That way, small birds can fly down for a drink or bath and know that they can quickly hide if they spot danger. Little birds also appreciate a few prickly or spiky plants that provide extra protection.
On the other hand, larger birds prefer trees and large shrubs for shelter. And, if you specifically want to attract native birds, grow large native trees and small native shrubs depending on the size of the native birds you want to attract.
Regardless of the type of bird you want to attract, though, the one universal requirement is that you grow plants that provide food for the birds you want to attract. Birds are generally divided into the following categories:
seed-eaters
nectar-feeders
insect-eaters
If you grow seed-producing plants, nectar-producing flowers and plants that attract the right kinds of insects, you’ll be able to attract a wide range of birds to your garden.
Also, all birds will appreciate plants that provide spots to build nests in (many birds like to build nests in trees). So keep that in mind when planning your garden.
So if you want to attract birds to your garden:
provide water
grow plants they can eat or attract their food
grow plants that provide shelter
grow plants that birds can use for nesting and nest-building