Native Plants for Birds: The Best Way to Help (and See) More Species

Feeders are fun, but the single most powerful thing you can do for birds is plant native species. Native plants host the native insects that birds — especially nesting birds feeding their young — absolutely depend on.

Why native, not just any plant

Research by entomologist Doug Tallamy shows that native plants support vastly more caterpillars and insects than non-natives. Since most songbirds raise their young almost entirely on insects (a single clutch of chickadees can require thousands of caterpillars), native plants are the foundation of the whole food web.

The heavy hitters

• Native oaks support hundreds of caterpillar species — the most valuable tree you can plant for birds.
• Native cherries, willows, and birches are also caterpillar powerhouses.
• Sunflowers, coneflowers, and asters provide seeds for finches and sparrows.
• Dogwood, serviceberry, elderberry, and viburnum offer berries for thrushes, waxwings, and more.

Layer the habitat

Birds use different heights. Combine canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, and a meadow or perennial layer to host the widest variety of species. Even one new native shrub measurably increases the birds your yard can support.

Skip the pesticides

Insecticides destroy the food birds need and can poison them directly. A 'messy,' insect-rich, pesticide-free yard is a bird-rich yard. Leave the leaves in fall, too — leaf litter shelters overwintering insects.

Find plants for your ZIP code

The National Audubon Society's native plant database lets you search the best bird-supporting natives by ZIP code. Plant a few, then watch your Birder AI yard list climb as new species discover the habitat.