Landscaping for birds
Food and cover are essential for the survival of all species. Loss of suitable nesting sites is a major factor in the decline of some bird species. In the wild, many species nest in cavities of dead trees. With the loss of hedgerows in some parts of the country and the removal of dead trees in towns, natural nesting sites are often limited. Also, some highly competitive, non-native species of birds have taken over some of the existing nesting sites once occupied by native birds.

Bird species are extremely variable in their habits. Some like deeply wooded areas; others prefer open fields and meadows. Many species are year-round residents, while others such as the cedar waxwing appear only for a few days a year during migration. Other species such as sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, robins, juncos, and chickadees are highly adaptable and found in many environments.

Many people are not aware of the value of dead, dying, and hollow trees, as well as logs on the ground, for birds and other wildlife. Dead trees provide homes to more than 400 species of birds, mammals, and amphibians. Fish, plants, and fungi also benefit from dead and dying trees. Consider leaving standing dead and dying trees in your yard unless they pose a human safety or property hazard, and use old logs and stumps in gardens and landscaping.

Plant species for birds
Below are some plant species to consider for wildlife habitat. Check with a local nursery on plants suitable for your area. Some of these plants, while suited for wildlife, may have characteristics such as shallow roots or weak limbs that make them inappropriate for small urban properties--or they may not be winter hardy in all locations. Birds eat any flower seed, depending on the kind of bird and seed.

Trees for birds:

• American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
• American holly (Ilex opaca)
• Balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
• Black cherry (Prunus serotina)
• Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
• Crabapple (Malus spp.)
• Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
• Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.)
• Hickories (Carya spp.)
• Live oak (Quercus virginiana)
• Oaks (Quercus spp.)
• Red mulberry (Morus rubra)

Shrubs for birds:

• Common juniper (Juniperus communis)
• Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
• Hollies--both evergreen and deciduous species (Ilex spp.)
• Pyracantha (Pyracantha spp.)
• Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera)
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
• Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
• Sumacs (Rhus spp.)
• Viburnums (Viburnum spp.)
• Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)