Backyard Bird Habitat Principles

Birds, like people, need food, shelter, water, and a safe place to raise their young.

Backyard habitat gardens can fill these needs through a combination of landscaping, planting, water and supplements (Feeders, birdhouses, birdbaths).

Native plants provide support for native, local birds and migrant birds.

Landscape and plant diversity encourage more kinds of birds. Different birds have different needs and preferences in food and shelter.

Design your garden using your microclimates (hot spots, cool spots, wet spots, sunny or shady spots, etc) to increase plant diversity.

Cluster and multi-level—connect plantings, cluster trees, shrubs and plants horizontally and vertically. Birds use different levels and like to have cover and shelter arranged so they can move easily from one plant or shrub or tree to another.

Good habitat gardens look a little messy—deadwood, dead leaves, seed stalks left on plants offer more food than a manicured, tidy space. Birds love bugs.

Put some feeders and water sources close to where you spend the most time so you’ll get to know your visitors!