Berry trees and shrubs for birds

Creating a bird-friendly habitat involves selecting trees and shrubs that produce berries, ensuring a year-round food source for avian residents and migrants. Here are some noteworthy options:

1. Viburnum species: Viburnums like American Cranberrybush Viburnum and Arrowwood Viburnum offer clusters of berries that persist through winter, attracting birds like Cedar Waxwings and American Robins.
2. Elderberry: Elderberry shrubs not only provide nutrient-rich berries for birds like Orioles and Woodpeckers but also attract insects, offering an additional food source.
3. Holly trees: American Holly and Winterberry Holly are known for their bright red berries, cherished by species such as Northern Mockingbirds and Eastern Bluebirds.
4. Serviceberry (Juneberry): This versatile option features small, edible berries and beautiful spring flowers, drawing in birds like Cedar Waxwings and Warblers.
5. Dogwood: Various dogwood species produce berry clusters enjoyed by birds such as Cardinals, Eastern Bluebirds, and Chickadees.
6. Eastern Red Cedar: This tree bears blue, berry-like cones that sustain birds like Cedar Waxwings and American Robins during winter.
7. Hawthorn: Hawthorn trees yield small red berries, attracting birds like Thrushes and Finches. They also offer nesting sites.
8. Bayberry: Bayberry shrubs provide waxy, gray berries relished by birds like Northern Mockingbirds and Hermit Thrushes. The berries are a vital winter food source.
9. Juniper: Juniper shrubs produce blue berries that attract a range of birds, including Cedar Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks.
10. Blackberry and Raspberry: Thorny bramble bushes like Blackberries and Raspberries produce berries savored by birds such as Catbirds and Thrushes.

When planning your bird-friendly landscape, consider incorporating a mix of these plants to provide a diverse range of berry colors, sizes, and textures. This variety will attract a broader spectrum of bird species, creating a thriving ecosystem in your backyard. Remember to provide appropriate shelter and water sources alongside the berry-bearing plants to create a truly inviting habitat for birds.