Oregon

What can you do to participate in Year of the Bird this month? Plant bird-friendly plants!

Birds often rely on plants in our yards, balconies, and other spaces for habitat and food and the best plants to provide this are those native to your area. To know the best plants for your home, search Audubon’s native plants database by your zip code. You can even search based on the birds you want to attract and the type of plants you want in your garden.

“Did you know that 96 percent of land birds feed insects and spiders to their chicks? A single nest of chickadee babies may scarf down as many as 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. Native tree species are better for birds because they host many more caterpillars; native oaks support more than 550 kinds of butterflies and moths. Non-native Ginkgo trees? Only five,” said Dr. John Rowden, director of community conservation for the National Audubon Society.

By growing the best bird-friendly plants for your area, you will attract and protect the birds you love while making your space beautiful, easy to care for, and better for the environment—and this month is the perfect time to get started. Learn more and find your plants here.