To create a bird-friendly yard, plant your garden with a bird’s diet in mind. Plant what birds like and what you like too, this creates biodiversity and a dynamic outdoor space to attract the widest variety of birds. Some people use the 70-30 rule (70% native plants; 30% other plants). Habitat loss due to development causes food and shelter for birds to disappear contributing to declines in migratory and resident songbirds. As natural spaces go away, your backyard can become an important wildlife refuge. Even small gardens, when planted thoughtfully, can provide the essentials birds need to survive:  Food, Water, Shelter, and Safe Habitat.

Bird Habitat Essentials

Food–For a broader range of species, plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract caterpillars and insects that birds eat. Offer high-quality seed in different feeders for seed-eaters. 

Water–Birdbaths, fountains, or small ponds help birds drink and bathe. Moving water (like a bubbler or dripper) attracts even more birds.

Shelter–Birds need cover to stay safe from predators and weather. Trees, shrubs, dense grasses, leaf piles, and even vines or rock piles can serve as shelter.

Nesting Areas–Cavity-nesters like chickadees and bluebirds benefit from nesting boxes. Other birds like towhees may nest in shrubs. Some birds like juncos nest on the ground so ground cover is very important.

Gardening Tips to Support Wildlife

• Plant native plants: These support native insects—an essential food source for birds, especially when raising young. If a yard is planted with at least 70% of native plants (and 30% decorative or tropical), birds should be able to find what they need.   

• Plant in layers: Combine tall trees, mid-sized shrubs, and low-growing plants to create natural structure.

• Leave the leaf litter: Birds like sparrows and thrashers forage in it.

• Avoid pesticides: Many birds rely on insects for food. By reducing chemicals, you protect them—and your family and pets.

• Create “instant cover” in new yards: Use your discarded Christmas tree as a brush pile or add container gardens with nectar-rich flowers.

• Once in bloom, keep the flowers and don’t hedge trim away. 

• Minimize hard pruning or tree trimming during the breeding season between March – August