Introduction 
Songbirds are a delightful part of our world, and can be attracted through proper plantings in the backyard or school grounds.  While some birds eat only insects, most all depend on insects for at least part of their diet, especially during nesting season.  Therefore, creating a well-rounded habitat with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract and hide insects will benefit many species.  Bird feeders can be a valuable tool to educate students and enjoy common birds up close, but they only attract a limited number of species that feed on those seeds, and cannot replace habitat.  The focus should be on creating shelter, natural food sources, and water, as with any type of wildlife.   

1. Planting for Songbirds 

Attracting birds that live within and along the edge of forest, such as chickadees, cedar waxwings, grosbeaks, and woodpeckers, can be very rewarding.  Planning such a habitat will focus on planting trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide food such as berries or seeds, as well as shelter.  Plants should be placed in close groups or in small islands to mimic a forest, and follow undulating lines.  This will create hiding spots for the birds and other animals.  The forest is composed not only of trees, but also an understory of shrubs where many of the birds live, and an herbaceous layer of plants such as wildflowers.  Planting these layers will attract a variety of exciting wildlife, in addition to the plants themselves. 

The edge where a forest meets a field is also a favored area by many animals.  For maximum wildlife value, this edge should be  soft, that is not an abrupt transition from woods and then grass.  A wide edge of berry-producing shrubs and then taller grasses softens the transition and provides a buffet of food and shelter for many birds.  Most of our backyard bird visitors are edge-species.  Plant shrubs along the edge, and/or eliminate mowing to allow these woody species to grow.  

Not all birds live in the woods, or along the edges.  Some species prefer open grassy areas such as bluebirds, meadowlarks, and goldfinches.  Many of these species are declining due to loss of habitat.  If you own more than 5 acres of open area, consider planting the area to warm-season grasses and native flowers for these species.  Do not mow during the breeding season from April to mid-August when ground nesting birds such as bobolinks and pheasants are nesting.  The larger the field, the more species will benefit since some require tracts of land over 100 acres in size.   

A sampling of species are listed in Table1 that are beneficial to many species of birds.   

Table 1. Western Pennsylvania Plants to Attract Birds

Plants that attract hummingbirds are listed in Table 2. 

Table 2.  Western Pennsylvania Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

More Information

Operation Ruby Throat: "The Hummingbird Project"