If you want to turn your garden into a sanctuary for birds, the best way to do it is by planting native species that provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities. Native plants have evolved alongside local bird species, making them the most beneficial choices for supporting our feathered friends.

Why Plant for Birds?

Bird populations face numerous challenges, from habitat loss to climate change. By incorporating native plants into your garden, you help provide essential resources for birds, including:

Food – Native plants offer berries, seeds, nectar, and insects that birds rely on.
Shelter – Dense shrubs and evergreens give birds a place to hide from predators and harsh weather.
Nesting Sites – Trees, shrubs, and grasses serve as ideal spots for birds to build their nests and raise their young.

Best New Jersey Native Plants for Birds

Here are some excellent native plants that will attract and support birds in your garden:

Berry-Producing Plants for Food

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) – This deciduous holly produces bright red berries in winter, a vital food source for robins, cedar waxwings, and bluebirds.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) – Also called Juneberry, its early-spring flowers attract pollinators, while its berries feed thrushes, catbirds, and cardinals.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) – Produces small black berries in late summer that persist into winter, providing food when other sources are scarce.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Its bluish berries are a favorite of cedar waxwings and other fruit-eating birds.

Seed-Bearing Flowers for Foraging

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Goldfinches love the seed heads of coneflowers, making them an essential late-summer food source.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Another goldfinch favorite, these bright flowers bring pollinators before setting seed in the fall.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – This native grass provides both seeds for birds and nesting material in the spring.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – Supports a wealth of insects, a critical protein source for young birds in the breeding season.

Shrubs & Trees for Shelter and Nesting

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Besides offering food, its dense evergreen foliage provides excellent winter shelter and nesting sites.
American Holly (Ilex opaca) – A beautiful evergreen with thick foliage that offers protection and nesting spots, plus berries for food.
Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) – Provides late-season berries and dense branches that serve as ideal nesting sites.
Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica) – Produces berries that support birds like the yellow-rumped warbler, while also providing dense cover.

Additional Nesting and Habitat Plants

Oaks (Quercus spp.) – Host to hundreds of caterpillar species, which are crucial food for baby birds. Also provides nesting cavities for woodpeckers and other species.
Willows (Salix spp.) – Supports a high number of insects and offers early-spring nectar for pollinators, benefiting birds that rely on them.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – A tall, graceful grass that offers seeds and excellent nesting material.

Designing a Bird-Friendly Garden

To create an inviting habitat for birds:

Plant in layers – Include trees, shrubs, and ground-level plants to provide various nesting and foraging options.
Leave seed heads standing – Instead of cutting back flowers in the fall, let seed heads remain for birds to eat.
Provide water – A birdbath or shallow water feature helps attract birds and supports their hydration needs.
Go chemical-free – Pesticides and herbicides can harm the insects that birds depend on.

Enjoying the Birds in Your Garden

By planting these native species, you’ll be rewarded with a lively, ever-changing landscape filled with birdsong and the beauty of nature. Whether you’re watching goldfinches pick seeds from coneflowers or cedar waxwings feast on juniper berries, you’ll know your garden is making a real difference for local bird populations.

Looking for the best places to source New Jersey native plants? Check out local nurseries like My Backyard at Nectars, Pinelands Nursery, and Toadshade Wildflower Farm to find the perfect plants for your bird-friendly landscape.

Happy planting!

Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden with New Jersey Native Plants