Gardening for birds involves creating a living ecosystem that provides natural sustenance, not just hanging a feeder. The relationship between birds and flowers, known as ornithophily, is a specialized partnership where plants offer high-energy rewards for efficient pollination. These floral resources provide food sources like nectar, protein-rich pollen, and the subsequent seeds and insects they host. Designing a garden with these avian needs ensures a steady supply of nutrition throughout the seasons.
Identifying Key Floral Attributes Birds Seek
Flowers that attract birds possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from insect-pollinated varieties. These plants have evolved a “pollination syndrome” to cater directly to avian senses and feeding anatomy. Bird-pollinated flowers frequently display vivid hues like red, orange, and deep pink. Birds perceive color across a wider spectrum than many insects, and these bright colors offer a strong contrast against green foliage, making the flowers easily visible.
The physical structure of these blooms is highly specific, often featuring a tubular, trumpet, or funnel shape. This form accommodates the long, slender beaks of nectar-feeding birds, allowing them to access the sugary liquid deep within the flower. The stamens and stigmas are positioned to brush against the bird’s head or throat during feeding, ensuring efficient pollen transfer. Conversely, these flowers generally lack a strong fragrance. Birds rely on sight rather than scent to locate food sources, a trait common in insect-pollinated species.
Flowers That Attract Nectar-Feeding Birds
Nectar-feeding birds, such as hummingbirds, require flowers that produce a large quantity of energy-dense sugar water to fuel their rapid metabolism. These specialized plants are the primary focus for gardeners aiming to attract these visitors. The tubular structure and vibrant color of these flowers are adapted to discourage insects and reward the avian pollinator.
Bee Balm (Monarda) produces shaggy clusters of red or pink tubular flowers perfectly shaped for a hummingbird’s beak. Similarly, the brilliant red spires of Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) have a deep, narrow corolla that excludes most insect access, reserving the nectar for birds. The native Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is an aggressive climber that produces large, orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are a magnet for nectar-feeders.
Other effective plants include the Red-Hot Poker (Kniphofia), which features dense spikes of red and yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Fuchsia species, particularly those with pendulous, elongated flowers, are highly attractive, especially in shaded garden areas. Planting a variety of these nectar-rich species ensures a continuous bloom cycle, providing energy for birds from spring through fall migration. Native species, like Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.), are beneficial because they are adapted to local growing conditions and offer accessible nectar for native birds.
Plants Providing Seeds and Berries for Avian Diets
Beyond nectar, flowers provide a substantial food source in the form of seeds and berries, attracting songbirds like finches, sparrows, and cardinals. These resources are important later in the season and during colder months when other food sources become scarce. The seeds contained within dried flower heads offer high-fat and high-protein nutrition necessary for survival and migration.
Plants from the Asteraceae family are excellent choices for their nutritious seeds. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are a favorite of goldfinches, which cling to the stalks to extract the developing seeds. Sunflowers and Zinnias produce large quantities of oil-rich seeds that are consumed by various seed-eating species.
To maximize the food supply, gardeners should resist the urge to “deadhead” or cut back spent flowers in the late summer and fall. Leaving the dried seed heads on the plant allows the seeds to mature fully, creating a natural feeding station that can last into the winter. For berries, selecting native shrubs like Holly, Elderberry, and various species of Viburnum provides fruits rich in the fatty acids birds need for energy reserves.