Top 5 Birds to Attract to Your Backyard
Attracting birds to your backyard not only brings beauty and life to your space but also supports local ecosystems by providing a haven for our feathered friends. Birdwatching can also be a relaxing, educational experience right outside your window. This guide will introduce you to five popular bird species known for their stunning colors, unique songs, and potential to elevate the ambiance of your backyard. Each bird comes with tips to help you create an environment that will encourage them to make your backyard their home.
1. American Robin
The American Robin is a familiar sight in North American backyards and easily recognized by its bright orange breast and cheerful song. Robins are often among the first birds to arrive in the spring, symbolizing new beginnings.
How to Attract American Robins
Food: Robins love earthworms, berries, and insects. Set up a bird feeder with mealworms or offer fresh berries like blueberries and strawberries. A fruit-bearing shrub, like a serviceberry bush, can also be an attractive food source.
Water Source: Robins are particularly drawn to shallow birdbaths for drinking and bathing. Make sure to keep it clean and refresh the water often, as this bird appreciates a reliable water source.
Shelter: Robins prefer nesting in trees, especially those with dense branches. Plant a few trees or shrubs to provide them with safe, elevated nesting spots.
Fun Fact
Robins are known for their distinctive “cheer-up” song, which they often sing in the early morning and at dusk. This melody is part of what makes their presence so enjoyable for birdwatchers.
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2. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are stunning birds known for their vibrant blue color, intelligence, and vocal nature. Their bright colors can make any backyard come alive with excitement, but these birds are also highly resourceful and playful, adding a bit of liveliness to your yard.
How to Attract Blue Jays
Food: Blue Jays are big fans of acorns, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Try adding a peanut feeder or filling a feeder with black oil sunflower seeds to entice them. Make sure to use a feeder with a large perch, as Blue Jays are larger than most backyard birds.
Water Source: Like most birds, Blue Jays need a reliable water source. Set up a birdbath in an open area with fresh water to invite them over.
Shelter: Blue Jays nest in trees, often preferring conifers or other dense trees. Planting evergreen trees or having large shrubs in your backyard can provide them with the shelter they need.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Trees That Attract HummingbirdsÂ
Fun Fact
Blue Jays are excellent mimics and can imitate the calls of other birds, especially hawks. This unique ability is believed to help them scare off other birds and protect their nests.
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3. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, with its vivid red plumage (for males) and its sweet, whistling songs, is a favorite in American backyards. Known for its loyalty, the cardinal often mates for life and shares a strong bond with its partner.
How to Attract Northern Cardinals
Food: Cardinals are seed lovers. They especially enjoy black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. A ground feeder or platform feeder works well, as these birds prefer to feed at lower heights.
Water Source: Cardinals are frequent bathers, so a sturdy birdbath will help attract them to your backyard. Choose a birdbath with a shallow basin for safe drinking and bathing.
Shelter: Cardinals nest in dense shrubs and thickets. Planting shrubs like rose bushes or holly can create perfect nesting spots, offering protection and privacy.
Fun Fact
Northern Cardinals are particularly territorial and often stay close to the same area year-round. They are also state birds in seven U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
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4. Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch, with its bright yellow coloring and playful nature, is another delightful bird to attract to your backyard. These birds are known for their sweet, canary-like song, and their graceful, undulating flight pattern.
How to Attract Goldfinches
Food: Goldfinches have a fondness for nyjer (thistle) seeds and sunflower seeds. A specialized nyjer seed feeder can help attract these birds, as their small size allows them to access seeds easily.
Water Source: A shallow birdbath or a fountain with trickling water is perfect for Goldfinches. They are drawn to moving water and will often visit daily if they find a good source.
Shelter: Goldfinches prefer nesting in shrubs and bushes. Consider planting native plants like thistle, milkweed, or sunflowers to provide them with natural shelter and food sources.
Fun Fact
Unlike many other birds, Goldfinches breed in late summer. Their nests are also unique, as they’re often woven tightly enough to hold water, showcasing the Goldfinch’s impressive building skills.
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5. Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are some of the most sought-after birds for backyard enthusiasts. Known for their rapid wing movement and iridescent feathers, these tiny birds bring an air of magic to any yard.
How to Attract Hummingbirds
Food: Hummingbirds love nectar. You can make your own by mixing four parts water with one part white sugar and boiling the mixture until dissolved. Avoid food coloring, as it’s harmful to these small birds.
Flowers: Planting tubular flowers like trumpet vine, bee balm, and salvia is an effective way to attract hummingbirds. Their bright colors and shape are irresistible to these nectar-loving birds.
Water Source: Hummingbirds enjoy misters or fine sprays of water rather than traditional birdbaths. A small mister or a drip fountain will create an ideal water source for them.
Fun Fact
Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward. This unique ability, coupled with their tiny size, makes them incredibly agile and fascinating to watch.
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Tips to Create a Bird-Friendly Backyard
1. Use Native Plants
Native plants offer natural food sources, shelter, and nesting sites for local bird species. They also attract insects, which are a critical food source for many birds, especially during breeding season.
2. Install Bird Feeders and Keep Them Clean
Keeping feeders clean and filled with fresh seed ensures that birds can return for a consistent, safe food source. Dirty feeders can spread disease, so regular cleaning is essential.
3. Provide Fresh Water
A clean, reliable water source is one of the most important factors in attracting birds. Consider adding a heated birdbath in colder climates to provide water year-round.
4. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides can harm birds directly and reduce their food sources. Instead, allow a balance of natural predators and beneficial insects to support a healthy garden.
5. Create a Safe Environment
Minimize hazards by keeping pets indoors or supervised, especially during nesting season. Place feeders away from windows or use bird-safe window decals to prevent collisions.
Conclusion
Attracting birds to your backyard can be as simple as providing food, water, and shelter. By welcoming species like the American Robin, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Goldfinch, and Hummingbird, you’ll enjoy their beauty and songs throughout the seasons. Creating a bird-friendly backyard not only enhances your outdoor space but also supports biodiversity and local wildlife conservation efforts. With a little effort, your backyard can become a sanctuary that nurtures birds and connects you with nature in a rewarding way.