Atrae pájaros: una docena de árboles y arbustos autóctonos que les encantan a los pájaros

Manicured suburban lawns just don’t cut it for birds. Sure, you may see an American Robin stop by. But to attract birds to your home (and provide needed food and shelter), move beyond lawns to create a buffet of benefits for your avian neighbors. Read on for a list of plants that will have your yard bursting into song.

For starters, remember that to attract birds to your home, real estate is a lot about location, location, location … of food. Recent studies document widespread losses of insect life, which adversely impact bird populations. As for birds, research has documented how suburban birds need native plants — which host native insects — to thrive.

As natural habitats dwindle, especially around large urban centers, suburban and urban residents need to up their game for wildlife. It can be a lifesaver for birds that are losing habitat to development. Kay Charter, Founder and Executive Director of Salvar aves a través del hábitat, has some encouraging words on every individual’s effort to attract birds and provide habitat:

“Every single person who owns a piece of property of any size can make a difference. They can begin by removing non-native plant species on their land and replacing them with natives. Why native plants? Native plants are important for many reasons, but they are essential as virtually the only hosts for many native insects. Insects are essential food for many birds, particularly nesting songbirds. … A small yard, even in the heart of a city, can provide these crucial sites.”

Kay and her husband Jim established the 45-acre Charter Sanctuary near Omena, Michigan, where more than 60 bird species have nested. The Charters have worked hard to keep native plants going strong and to provide an educational opportunity for others. Charter explains why native plants are the best choice for breeding birds:

“Baby birds, like baby humans, must have the building blocks of protein in order to develop and grow into healthy fledglings.  … [They get] that necessary protein from insects. Insufficient insect food results in underweight or fewer fledglings, or, worse, failed nests.”

Planting bird- and insect-friendly native trees and shrubs is a great way to get started now on a garden — even a small one — that will sustain wintering, migrating, and breeding birds. Here are a few examples of native trees and shrubs that attract birds and make out-sized contributions to suburban habitats in the Eastern United States.

You don’t need a lot of space to have a garden that’s beneficial for birds. There are many native plants that can thrive in small areas and even in containers, making it possible for porches and patios to become part of a landscape where birds are thriving. Many resources exist for finding plants native to your region (some databases are searchable by zip code) and plants that will do well in the amount of sun and shade available. There are dozens of options and specific species may depend on where you live, but these native flowering plants are a good starting point for your research.

1. Sunflower: In the Eastern U.S., sunflowers are a sure sign of summer. While most of us are familiar with the towering sunflowers that produce tasty seeds enjoyed by both humans and birds, there are a variety of Helianthus species to explore. Ashy sunflower (Helianthus mollis) and swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) are container-loving varieties that aren’t as tall as their giant cousins, but produce beautiful flowers that feed birds. 
2. Coneflower: Many species in the Rudbeckia genus thrive in containers and flourish in full sun. Chances are good you’re already familiar with a couple coneflowers: Black-eyed (Rudbeckia hirta) and brown-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia triloba) are staple species in many landscapes, treasured for their hardiness and their beauty. They produce brilliant flowers. 
3. Aster: Asters tend to be easy to grow and many species are resistant to deer and rabbits, which are notorious for nipping growing plants in the bud. Varieties like calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) and blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) produce scores of delicate flowers with long, slender petals. They fill out a container nicely and feed butterflies and bees. 
4. Goldenrod: Goldenrod gets a bad rap because it’s commonly mistaken for ragweed, the culprit behind many seasonal allergy sufferers’ woes. Goldenrod varieties typically produce long sprays of tiny yellow flowers. Larger varieties, like wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) can be real showstoppers, reaching up to 5 feet tall. 

From a gardening point of view, the Southwest is a different world from the rest of the United States, and rich in bird-habitat opportunities. Much of what’s lacking in surrounding country — namely water — is available right at home.

A clean water feature such as a recirculating shallow bath or pond will attract birds, including coveys of Gambel’s or Scaled Quail. Plus, the region is rich in cacti, agave, the thorny shrub ocotillo (which can be cut and planted to make living fences), and other flowering plants that draw hummingbirds and orioles. Do some homework on native bird-attracting plants, then contact your local nurseries.

Another plus in the Southwest: xeriscaping is popular as a water-saving measure. Rocky yards planted with native species attract more invertebrates and lizards than do water-starved turf lawns, which means that predators such as Greater Roadrunners, Loggerhead Shrikes, and raptors may come calling.

If you’re able, visit our partners, Tucson Bird Alliance and the ABC-supported Paton Center for Hummingbirds, a beautiful Arizona garden and nature sanctuary.

Are you already implementing some of these ideas in your yard? How’s it going? Which birds are you benefiting? We would love to hear from you and to share your stories. Please contact us via email: info@abcbirds.org.

If you’re ready for more ideas, see our prior post for additional ways to create a bird-friendly yard. And see our top ways to help birds, indoors and out.