Native Plants for Native Birds

Photo: American Goldfinch, Jim Williams

Bring more birds to your home with native plants

We invite you to grow bird-friendly native plants at home!

Gardens are outdoor sanctuaries for birds, insects, and other wildlife and every spring, migrating birds visit yards looking for nourishment and protection to raise their young.

Most landscaping plants in nurseries are exotic species that are prized for qualities that make them poor food sources for wildlife. Exotic plants generally require more water and chemicals to thrive, increasing maintenance time, costs, and pollution. Some can even become invasive. By adding native plants to your yard, balcony, garden, or rooftop, you can help birds in the face of climate change, urban development, and other threats.

Here are some examples of plants you can use to attract different bird species: 

Birches and sumacs for Chickadees andTitmice

Honeysuckle vines, penstemons, milkweeds, and sages for Hummingbirds

Beeches and oaks for Warblers and Vireos

Pines, hickories, oaks, and cherries for Woodpeckers

Echinacea for American Goldfinches...

and many other species!

Use Audubon's native plant database to learn which plants you can use in your area. 

Urban Conservation
Bird-Friendly Communities

Urban Conservation

People in urban areas play a critical role in fostering healthy bird populations

Read more

Project BirdSafe
Project BirdSafe

Project BirdSafe

Reducing hazards to birds

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Conservation
Conservation

Bird Conservation

Protecting birds and their habitats

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Latin:  Archilochus colubris

Illustration for Ruby-throated Hummingbird

American Goldfinch

Latin:  Spinus tristis

Illustration for American Goldfinch

Tufted Titmouse

Latin:  Baeolophus bicolor

Illustration for Tufted Titmouse

Hairy Woodpecker

Latin:  Dryobates villosus

Illustration for Hairy Woodpecker

How you can help, right now