Native Plants and Their Importance to BirdsUnderstanding the connection between native plants and birds will help people be better stewards of the environment. Native plants are particular species of plants that have grown in a certain area naturally and were not introduced by humans. Ensuring that more native plants are planted and available for insects and birds to visit for food and shelter is key to combating habitat loss, which takes a heavy toll on bird population levels. While we may concentrate on North America, the same assertion applies to South America, where so many migratory birds spend the winter months. Native plants attract the insects that lay eggs and feed on them (called host plants), which attract the insects that partner with them as well as insect predators. Birds also feed on the seeds of native plants, providing birds with energy during winter months. These insects serve as an abundant food supply for birds that build nests and rear their young. Some examples of native plants that are the most beneficial for birds are:
Getting Started With Native Plants: https://ny.audubon.org/conservation/getting-started-native-plants Audubon Native Plant Database: https://www.audubon.org |
Contact Information:
We would like to hear from you if you have a question. Audubon Society of the Capital Region P.O. Box 14144 Albany, N.Y. 12212-4144 capitalregionaudubon@gmail.com |