Bird-Friendly Native Plants - Blackfoot Native PlantsBlackfoot Native Plants

Black-capped Chickadee

Birds need food, water, shelter, nesting sites and roosting sites. Using native plants to provide bird habitat requires considering what birds need and selecting plants that appeal to both you and the birds. Even small gardens can provide birds with food and shelter.

provide plants that attract insects for birds especially during the breeding season
use plants that offer birds food all season long
provide habitat for winter as well as summer – birds have different needs at different times of the year
plant brightly colored, tubular flowers to provide food for hummingbirds
create dense thickets (at least 8 feet thick) for shelter and nesting sites
create layers of vegetation – low for ground nesters, shrubs for small birds and trees for birds that roost and nest in them
use a diverse palette of plants to appeal to many birds
provide clean water – usually in a protected spot so birds feel safe
avoid pesticides (that kill birds) and letting the birds do the job for you

medium sized bird with scarlet head, yellow breast and black wings on limb of pine tree

Western Tanager

Look around you and identify the birds that are present in your yard or neighborhood. Research what habitats these birds prefer and add plants or features to your landscape that will appeal to them. To attract a broader diversity of birds, use a diverse palette of native plants arranged in plant communities that are appropriate for birds.