11 Native #Shrubs to Make Your Yard a #Wonderland for Birds
From plantings tips to which bird species they attract, get to know some of our most common shrubs found across #NorthAmerica.
By Georgia Good, September 24, 2026
"Sure, trees and flowers are great, but tucked between them is another plant just as crucial for birds and worthy of your yard space: The humble and life-giving shrub.
"But what exactly is a shrub? Shrubs are #perennial plants with multiple #WoodyStems instead of single trunk. And yes, shrubs and bushes are the same (though “shrub” is the more formal, botanical term). Their spring blooms offer nectar to #hummingbirds and other #pollinators; their berries fuel birds through long winters and migrations.
"Shrubs host insects that feed chicks, and they provide vital shelter year-round. Many nesting and resting birds prefer them to open tree canopies—their dense, tangled thickets protect them from heavy winds, snow, and rain, and from predators like raptors and cats.
"By growing native shrubs, you can offer critical food and shelter to migrating, breeding, and wintering birds—a powerful antidote to habitat loss. That 'native' label matters, too: Birds aren’t adapted to non-native plants, which often can’t support the protein-rich insects that they rely on.
"And non-native fruits are like fast food for birds. High in simple sugars and low in healthy fats, they’re often empty calories, a dangerous diet for a growing bird, or one flying across the hemisphere.
"To find the best shrubs for your neighborhood birds, use #Audubon’s #NativePlantDatabase. And to create a rich, diverse habitat, complete with perches, shelter, and food, try balancing shrubs with larger trees—and watch your yard come alive with berries, flowers, and wildlife. A sanctuary for birds, and perhaps for you, as well."
Learn more:
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/11-native-shrubs-make-your-yard-wonderland-birds
Native Plant Database (North America):
https://www.audubon.org/native-plants
#SolarPunkSunday #Birding #SpendTimeInNature #MoreShrubs
#GardeningForBirds #Wildlife #MoreFlowersLessLawns