The Northeast boasts a vibrant bird community, with a surge in nesting birds during the warm spring and summer months. Some species migrate south to escape the harsh winters, while others remain year-round. One can attract birds by landscaping their backyards with native plants. These landscaping tips and plants are designed to create a welcoming habitat that caters to diverse migratory and resident bird species throughout the seasons.
Native plants for creating backyard bird habitat in the Northeast
Native plants are essential for creating backyard bird habitat. Integrating them into your landscape benefits not only the birds, but also fosters biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Since local bird species have coevolved with these plants, they provide essential food sources – seeds, fruits, and nectar. Choosing native plants to attract birds creates a welcoming environment for our birds, while also contributing to the overall health of local ecosystems and wildlife.
Here are some advantages of using native plants:
- They establish themselves easily in their native environment.
- They require minimal care once established.
Recommended approach
While some bird species can adapt to various habitats, most birds are particular about where they live. To attract the most birds, I recommend creating a diverse habitat with a carefully planned variety of plants.
The recommended approach for landscaping to attract birds in the Northeast is creating a layered habitat with diverse plants benefits birds in several ways:
- A range of food sources: Including plants with berries, fruits, and seeds throughout the year ensures a steady food supply for birds. The plants should also attract insects and caterpillars, another food source for many birds.
- Seasonal considerations: Planting nectar-bearing flowers that bloom at different times and trees/shrubs that produce berries throughout the year ensures there’s always food available for birds, attracting them during different seasons.
- Variety in plant height: Having trees, shrubs, and low-growing plants provides birds with different places to hide, forage, and nest depending on their species.
“Yards with a variety of of shrubs and trees will appeal to many different birds”
Plant Hardiness
Plant hardiness zones are regions that have been labeled by their average minimum growing temperature. These zones help us understand which plants will thrive in their zonal growing environment. Plants in the Northeast fall within Plant Hardiness Zones between 1 through 8 (See color coded map and table).
The Northeast Region
The Northeast offers a beautiful, yet challenging, landscape for bird. With vibrant springs and summers that attract nesting birds, the region also experiences variable summer heat and recurrent winter frosts. This creates a diverse habitat, but also means birds face changing conditions throughout the year.
Using bird-friendly native plants in your yard ensures a reliable source of food, shelter, and nesting sites, supporting both year-round residents and seasonal visitors during spring and summer.
Plants covered in this article are recommended for the Northeastern Region of North American. States and Provinces. States in the United States include: Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, North Arkansas, Tennessee, the Northern half of North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Canadian Provinces include: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia.
Also, see our guides to:
Attract Backyard Birds: Southeast Native Plant Landscaping Tips
Attract Backyard Birds: Northwest Native Plant Landscaping Tip
Attract Backyard Birds: Southwest Native Plant Landscaping Tips
TREES
Yellow Birch
Food Type: Seeds. While Yellow Birch doesn’t provide a year-round food source for birds, its winter seeds are a valuable resource when other food sources are scarce.
Season: Winter (January – March).
Attracts: Pileated Woodpeckers, Fox Sparrows, Black-capped Chickadees, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (summer), Mourning Warblers, Brown Creepers, Northern Parulas (nesting).
Additional Benefits: Provides nesting sites and cover for a variety of birds. The bark provides excellent camouflage for birds against predators.
Propagation: Yellow Birch can be propagated by seed, but it’s a slow and challenging process. Purchasing a young sapling from a nursery is recommended.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun.
Description: The Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is a tall, stately tree native to northeastern North America, commonly reaching 60-75 feet tall with a mature spread of 30-40 feet. It’s known for its beautiful golden yellow bark that peels in horizontal strips, revealing a satiny white inner bark beneath.
Interesting Facts:
- Yellow Birch is a keystone species, providing food and habitat for many wildlife species beyond birds.
- Yellow Birch is the state tree of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Red Pine
Food Type: Seeds. Offers a limited food source for birds, but the seeds are valuable during the winter months.
Season: Fall and Winter (September – March).
Attracts: Red Crossbills, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills, Gray Jays, Ruffed Grouse (winter), Wild Turkeys (winter), Northern Flickers, Pileated Woodpeckers.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for many bird species.
Propagation: Red Pine is difficult to propagate from seed at home. Purchasing a young sapling from a nursery is recommended.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil but can tolerate a wider range of soil types as long as drainage is good.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) is a fast-growing, long-lived coniferous tree reaching 60-80 feet tall with a mature spread of 20-30 feet. It has a dense, pyramidal crown of blue-green needles and characteristic reddish-brown bark that becomes increasingly scaly with age. Due to its large mature size, it’s best suited for yards with ample space.
Interesting Facts:
- Red Pine is a pioneer species, one of the first trees to colonize disturbed areas.
- The resin produced by Red Pine was historically used for torches and medicinal purposes.
Black Cherry
Food Type: Fruit (drupes).
Season: Late summer and fall (July – October).
Attracts: Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Gray Catbirds, Northern Flickers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, European Starlings, Blue Jays, Common Grackles, and Wild Turkeys.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for many bird species.
Propagation: Black Cherry can be propagated by seed, but it requires a cold stratification period and may not come true to type. Purchasing a young sapling is recommended.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 50-80 feet tall with a mature spread of 30-40 feet. It has glossy, dark green leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. In spring, it produces clusters of white flowers attractive to pollinators.
Interesting Facts:
- Black Cherry is a keystone species, providing food and habitat for many wildlife species beyond birds.
- The fruit of Black Cherry is edible for humans, but be sure to remove the pit as it contains cyanide.
Eastern Hemlock
Food Type: Seeds (cones).
Season: Fall and Winter (September – March).
Attracts: Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, White-winged Crossbills, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Goldfinches, Evening Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, and Ruffed Grouse. Summer foliage and flowers attract Warblers.
Additional Benefits: Besides year-round cover and nesting sites, its dense, drooping branches create a sheltered haven from harsh weather and predators.
Propagation: Eastern Hemlock is difficult to propagate from seed at home due to specific fungal requirements. Purchasing a young sapling is recommended.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Shade to partial shade.
Description: Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a majestic, long-lived coniferous tree reaching 60-80 feet tall with a mature spread of 20-30 feet. It has soft, drooping branches adorned with flat, needle-like evergreen foliage. Small cones mature to a brown in fall, releasing tiny winged seeds attractive to birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Eastern Hemlock is a foundation species, playing a vital role in the health of the forest ecosystem.
- The Eastern Hemlock is the state tree of Pennsylvania.
Eastern Red Cedar
Food Type: Fruit (cones).
Season: Fall and Winter (October – March).
Attracts: Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, European Starlings, Northern Flickers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Mockingbirds, Catbirds, Blue Jays, and Wild Turkeys.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent cover and nesting sites for many bird species year-round.
Propagation: Eastern Red Cedar can be propagated by seed, but it requires a cold stratification period and may not come true to type.
Soil Needs: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained sites.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a versatile, adaptable evergreen tree reaching 30-50 feet tall with a mature spread of 8-25 feet. It has a distinctive form, with irregular branching and shredding reddish-brown bark. In fall, female trees produce clusters of silvery blue berries that mature to a dark blue color, a favorite winter food source for many birds.
Interesting Facts:
- The wood of Eastern Red Cedar is rot-resistant and prized for use in fence posts and craft items.
- Native Americans used Eastern Red Cedar for a variety of purposes, including medicine, building materials, and ceremonial objects.
SHRUBS
Bartram Serviceberry
Food Type: Fruit (fleshy berries) also edible for humans, but they can be a bit dry. Birds find them irresistible.
Season: Spring and Early Summer (May – June) for flowers and fruit.
Attracts: American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Catbirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, Gray Catbirds, and Wild Turkeys. The flowers also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Additional Benefits: Provides some cover for birds, and the flowers in spring are a welcome source of nectar for pollinators.
Propagation: Bartram Serviceberry can be propagated by seed, but it requires a cold stratification period and may take several years to germinate.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Bartram Serviceberry (Amelanchier bartramiana) is a beautiful small tree or large shrub reaching 15-25 feet tall with a mature spread of 10-20 feet. It has an attractive, multi-stemmed form with smooth, grayish-brown bark that develops an interesting mottled pattern with age. In early spring, it explodes with a profusion of white, five-petaled flowers, creating a stunning display.
Interesting Facts:
- Bartram Serviceberry is named after John Bartram, a famous American botanist from the 18th century.
- This plant is a great choice for native plant gardens, supporting a variety of pollinators and birds.
Red Chokecherry
Food Type: Fruit (drupes). Edible by humans, but are quite tart and astringent. It’s best to leave them for the birds!
Season: Late summer and fall (August – October).
Attracts: Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Catbirds, Northern Flickers, European Starlings, Blue Jays, and Wild Turkeys.
Additional Benefits: Provides some cover for birds, and the white flowers in spring are a minor source of nectar for pollinators.
Propagation: Red Chokecherry can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings. However, seed germination can be slow and erratic.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Red Chokecherry (Aronia arbutifolia) is a deciduous shrub reaching 6-10 feet tall with a mature spread of 6-8 feet. It has an upright, branching form with smooth, reddish-brown bark that develops an interesting shreddy texture with age. In spring, it produces clusters of small, white flowers followed by numerous small, bright red berries.
Interesting Facts:
- The name “Chokecherry” comes from the astringent taste of the berries.
- Red Chokecherry is a native plant in eastern North America where it is a popular choice for landscaping. It has an attractive seasonal display of flowers, fruits, and fall foliage, which turns shades of orange and red.
Winterberry
Food Type: Fruit (drupes).
Season: From late fall through winter (November – March).
Attracts: Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Catbirds, Northern Flickers, Blue Jays, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Wild Turkeys. Winterberry is a reliable food source when other options are scarce.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for birds, and the inconspicuous flowers in spring are a minor source of nectar for pollinators.
Propagation: Winterberry is dioecious, meaning you need one male plant to pollinate several female plants for berry production. Propagation by seed is difficult.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly shrub reaching 6-15 feet tall with a mature spread of 6-10 feet. It has a bushy form with smooth, gray bark. In spring, it produces small, greenish-white flowers followed by the star of the show: bright red berries that ripen in late fall.
The berries persist on the branches throughout winter, providing a beautiful and vital food source for birds. Winterberry is available in several cultivars with variations in berry color, size, and plant form.
Interesting Facts:
- Winterberry is a native plant to eastern North America and provides a valuable winter food source for wildlife.
- Unlike its cousin the American Holly, Winterberry loses its leaves in fall, but the vibrant berries provide a welcome splash of color in the winter landscape.
Bayberry
Food Type: Fruit (drupes).
Season: Birds enjoy the berries from late fall through winter (November – March). Bayberry provides a reliable food source when other options are scarce.
Attracts: Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Catbirds, Northern Flickers, Blue Jays, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Wild Turkeys. Additional Benefits: Provides excellent winter cover for birds with its dense branching. The small flowers in spring offer a minor nectar source for pollinators.
Propagation: Bayberry is dioecious, meaning you need one male plant to pollinate several female plants for berry production. Propagation by seed is difficult.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) is a semi-evergreen shrub reaching 6-15 feet tall with a mature spread of 6-10 feet. It has a dense, rounded form with smooth, gray bark and aromatic leaves that release a slightly spicy fragrance when crushed.
The inconspicuous greenish flowers are followed by clusters of grayish-white waxy berries that ripen in late fall. The berries persist on the branches throughout winter, providing a beautiful and vital food source for birds when other food sources are scarce.
Interesting Facts:
- Bayberry is a native plant to eastern North America and provides a valuable winter food source for wildlife.
- Traditionally, bayberry wax was extracted from the berries and used to make candles.
Winterberry vs. Bayberry: Both winterberry and bayberry are excellent choices for attracting birds in winter. Winterberry has showier red berries, while bayberry berries are grayish-white. Winterberry is deciduous, while bayberry is semi-evergreen. They both have similar requirements for planting and care.
Tip: While bayberry fruits are technically edible for humans, they are quite tart and not very palatable when eaten raw. Best to leave them for the birds!
Staghorn Sumac
Food Type: Fruit (drupes).
Season: Late summer through winter (August – March).
Attracts: Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Robins, European Starlings, Northern Flickers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Wild Turkeys. Staghorn Sumac provides a valuable food source when other options are scarce.
Additional Benefits: The small greenish flowers in summer offer a minor nectar source for pollinators. The interesting branching structure adds architectural interest to the winter landscape.
Propagation: Staghorn Sumac suckers readily and can be aggressive. Propagation is not recommended for most gardeners.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 15-30 feet tall with a mature spread of 10-20 feet. It has a distinctive upright form with smooth, reddish-brown bark that develops a shaggy texture as it matures. The most recognizable feature is the branched, stag horn-like structure of the twigs at the top of the plant.
It produces small greenish flowers followed by bright red, hairy drupes that persist on the branches throughout winter.
Interesting Facts:
- The fuzzy red fruits of Staghorn Sumac were used by some Native American tribes as a flavoring for lemonade and a stain for baskets.
- Staghorn Sumac has a defense mechanism. The leaves contain a toxin that can cause an itchy rash in humans and some pets if touched. Birds are not affected by the toxin.
A Note on Toxicity: While Staghorn Sumac berries are technically edible for humans after proper processing to remove the hairs, they are quite tart and not very palatable. They are best left for the birds!
GRASSES
Little Bluestem
Food Type: Seeds. Little Bluestem provides a valuable food source when other options are scarce.
Season: Fall and Winter Feast! Birds enjoy the seeds from October through March.
Attracts: A banquet for seed-eating birds including Field Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Cardinals, and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for ground-dwelling birds with its dense clumping growth.
Propagation: Little Bluestem can be propagated by seed, but it requires a period of cold stratification and can be slow to germinate.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soils with low fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass reaching 1-3 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms dense clumps with slender, blue-green leaves that turn golden brown in fall. In late summer, it produces inconspicuous flowers that give way to airy seed heads with white, fluffy bristles. These seed heads persist on the plant throughout winter, adding a touch of beauty and providing a vital food source for birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Little Bluestem is a native grass highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant, making it a good choice for native plant gardens.
- The swaying seed heads of Little Bluestem create a rustling sound in the breeze, which some find quite relaxing.
Indian Grass
Food Type: Seeds. Indian Grass provides a valuable food source when other options are scarce.
Season: Birds enjoy the seeds from late summer/fall (August/September) through winter (March).
Attracts: Field Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Cardinals, and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides excellent winter cover for ground-dwelling birds with its dense, upright clumps. The tall seed heads add architectural interest to the winter landscape.
Propagation: Indian Grass can be propagated by seed or division, but seed germination can be slow. Be aware that Indian Grass can spread by rhizomes, so plan accordingly.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Description: Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a warm-season, perennial grass reaching 3-8 feet tall with a mature spread of 2-3 feet. It forms upright clumps with slender, blue-green foliage that turns golden yellow in fall. In late summer, it produces inconspicuous flowers followed by plume-like seed heads with bronze or tawny bristles.
Interesting Facts:
- It is a native grass highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant, making it a good choice for native plant gardens and meadows.
- Native Americans traditionally used Indian Grass for a variety of purposes, including basket weaving and roof thatching.
ANNUALS & PERENNIALS
Beebalm or Wild Bergamot
Food Type: Nectar and Seeds.
Season: Birds enjoy the nectar and seeds from mid-summer to fall (July – October).
Attracts: A hummingbird magnet! Beebalm also attracts butterflies and other pollinators, and the seeds attract songbirds in fall and winter. This includes Hummingbirds, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Indigo Buntings, Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, and Song Sparrows.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its dense branching structure.
Propagation: Beebalm can be propagated by division in spring or fall, or by seed, but seed germination can be slow.
Soil Needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Beebalm (Monarda didyma) is a fragrant, perennial flowering herb reaching 2-4 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms upright clumps with square stems and aromatic, pointed leaves. From mid-summer to fall, it produces clusters of showy tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, or white.
In fall, the flowers turn to spiky seed heads that persist on the plant for a while, providing a food source for seed-eating birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Beebalm is a native wildflower to eastern North America and provides a valuable food source for hummingbirds and butterflies.
- The leaves of beebalm can be used to make a fragrant tea. However, it is best to consult with an herbalist before consuming beebalm.
Foxglove Penstemon
Food Type: Nectar and Seeds.
Season: Birds enjoy the nectar and seeds from late spring to early summer (April – June) and sometimes into fall.
Attracts: A magnet for hummingbirds, bumblebees, and other pollinators! The seeds also attract songbirds in late summer and fall. This includes Hummingbirds, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Bumblebees, Indigo Buntings, Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, and Song Sparrows. Foxglove Penstemon provides a valuable food source for hummingbirds early in the season.
Additional Benefits: Provides some minimal winter cover for small birds with its branching structure.
Propagation: Foxglove Penstemon can be propagated by division in spring or fall, or by seed, but seed germination can be slow and require cold stratification.
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soils with average fertility.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Foxglove Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis) is a showy, perennial flowering herb reaching 2-5 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms upright clumps with square stems and narrow, green leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of showy, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, lavender, or purple.
The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators, and their trumpet shape is perfect for their long tongues. In late summer, the flowers turn to seed capsules that split open to reveal tiny black seeds, providing a late-season food source for birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Foxglove Penstemon is a native wildflower to much of central and eastern North America and provides a valuable food source for hummingbirds and butterflies.
- The name “Penstemon” comes from a Greek word meaning “almost five,” referring to the five unequal lobes of the flower’s corolla.
Black-eyed Susan
Food Type: Seeds. Black-eyed Susan provides a valuable food source when other options are scarce.
Season: A Late Summer and Fall Feast! Birds enjoy the seeds from summer to early winter (July – December).
Attracts: A magnet for finches and other seed-eating birds! This includes Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, Chickadees, Cardinals, Purple Finches, and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its branched stems.
Propagation: Black-eyed Susan readily reseeds itself, and volunteers can be easily transplanted. You can also propagate by seed sown directly outdoors in spring or fall.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Description: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a cheerful and easy-to-grow wildflower reaching 1-3 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms upright clumps with branching stems and hairy, green leaves. From summer to early fall, it produces daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals surrounding a prominent, dark brown, cone-shaped center.
The flowers are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees. In fall, the flowers fade, but the seed heads persist on the plant, providing a valuable food source for birds throughout winter. It’s a low-maintenance native wildflower that attracts pollinators in the summer.
Interesting Facts:
- Black-eyed Susan is a native wildflower to eastern North America and provides a valuable food source for wildlife.
- There are many cultivars of Black-eyed Susan available, offering a variety of flower sizes and colors, including gloriosa daisies with drooping petals.
Goldenrod
Food Type: Seeds. Goldenrod provides a vital food source when other options are scarce, especially for migrating birds.
Season: Birds enjoy the seeds from late summer/fall (August/September) through winter (March).
Attracts: Goldfinches, American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos, Purple Finches, Sparrows (various species), and Mourning Doves.
Additional Benefits: Provides some winter cover for small birds with its dense, upright clumps.
Propagation: Goldenrod can be propagated by division in spring or fall, or by seed. However, seed germination can be slow. Be aware that Goldenrod can spread aggressively by both seed and underground runners.
Soil Needs: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, well-drained sites. Tolerates drought once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Description: Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a showy, perennial wildflower reaching 2-6 feet tall with a mature spread of 1-2 feet. It forms upright clumps with slender stems and narrow, green leaves. From late summer to fall, it produces dense clusters of small, golden yellow flowers in plume-like or rounded shapes.
In fall, the flowers turn brown, but the seed heads persist on the plant throughout winter, providing a valuable food source for birds.
Interesting Facts:
- Contrary to a common misconception, goldenrod is not the cause of fall allergies. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is the culprit.
- There are many species of Goldenrod with varying heights and flower shapes.
Attract birds by landscaping your backyards with native plants. Landscaping tips to create a welcoming bird habitat.
Final Thoughts: Your Northeast Birding Oasis Awaits
By incorporating native plants into your landscaping, you’ve taken a step towards creating a bird-friendly Northeast backyard. Every native plant you add contributes to a larger network of habitat in the region. Here’s a quick reminder of the benefits you’re providing to birds:
- Great Lakes States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan): Offer critical stopover habitat for warblers and other songbirds migrating along the Mississippi Flyway.
- Corn Belt States (Iowa, Illinois, Missouri): Provide much-needed food and shelter for birds in the region.
- Ohio Valley States (Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia): Create a vital corridor for colorful tanagers and vibrant grosbeaks moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Mid-Atlantic States (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania): Attract a diverse community of songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors that thrive in mixed hardwood forests.
- New England States (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine): Supplement the diet of chickadees, kinglets, and grosbeaks during harsh winters with native seed sources.
- Canadian Provinces (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia): Provide crucial nesting and feeding grounds for boreal birds.
Please note: North Arkansas, Tennessee, and northern North Carolina are not part of the Northeast Region. However, the plants listed in this article do well in part of these states.