Attracting Birds to Homes and Gardens
Planting suggestions: Oaks, hickories, maples and cedars are all native trees that have considerable value as cover, nest sites and singing perches. Tulip Poplars and white pine are also good choices. Berry-producing trees and shrubs such as hackberries, hollies, hawthorns and dogwoods attract robins, mockingbirds and cedar waxwings. Grouped shrubs and hedges may provide nesting cover for catbirds and cardinals. Flower and vegetable gardens contribute to insect abundance and diversity, which results in more birds. Small lots can be just as attractive as large ones. If you start now, you soon will have the habitat you desire.
Bird houses: Approximately one-sixth of Missouri's breeding bird species nest in cavities that either they find or excavate themselves. Unfortunately, these are often in dead or dying trees that are removed for firewood or because of the hazard they pose. To some extent, bird houses can offset this reduction in natural cavities. See the Bird Publications section of this booklet for information sources on various bird houses. Of course, it is best to leave standing dead trees and snags whenever possible.
Attracting hummingbirds: Missouri's ruby-throated hummingbirds winter in Central America and arrive in Missouri around April 20. They are easily attracted to brightly colored flowers and sugar feeders. The proper solution for feeders is one part sugar to four parts water. Coloring need not be added. Because hummingbirds are quite aggressive toward each other, it is advisable to hang out several feeders. Ruby-throats begin to depart Missouri in late September and are gone by Oct. 10. Note: Orioles, tanagers and house finches also might visit these feeders.
Feeding birds: Many Missourians have discovered the pleasure of attracting birds by providing them food. This is most successful in winter, but it is becoming increasingly common to feed birds throughout the year. The primary reason for feeding birds is the pleasure derived from identifying them and enjoying their behavior. Therefore, feeders should be placed where they can be easily viewed.
Preferred foods: The single most successful bird food is black-oil sunflower seed. White proso millet and thistle (or niger) seed may attract a few additional species. Mixes composed primarily of millet and milo (commonly sold in grocery stores), cracked corn and bread crumbs are not recommended because they tend to attract nuisance birds such as starlings and house sparrows. Suet (or fat trimmings) can be provided to birds in an onion bag or wire container. This is often suspended from a branch so that it is accessed primarily by clinging birds such as chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers.
Water and other foods: Water for drinking and bathing can be an attractant to birds, especially during lengthy subfreezing conditions. Birds may become accustomed to visiting fresh water before it freezes if it is placed out routinely at the same spot. Raisins, grapes, citrus fruit and apple slices may increase the variety of bird customers. Meal worms, available from pet stores, may be used in summer for those birds unusual at feeders, such as bluebirds and mockingbirds.
Expected feeder birds: Mourning doves, blue jays, black-capped chickadees, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, red-breasted nuthatches, white-breasted nuthatches, Carolina wrens, European starlings, northern cardinals, blue grosbeaks, indigo buntings, eastern towhees, fox sparrows, song sparrows, white-throated sparrows, white-crowned sparrows, Harris' sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, brown-headed cowbirds, purple finches, house finches, pine siskins, American goldfinches and evening grosbeaks.
Nuisance Animals: The most common pests near feeders are squirrels and raccoons, followed by free-roaming cats and dogs. If you hang your bird feeders from wires and install a baffle (or barrier) along the wire, you may discourage some of these animals. Also, you can place an inverted funnel on supporting posts. Remember, all hawks are legally protected and deserve to be recognized as rightful predatory members of the wildlife community.
