As you walk through the Smithsonian Gardens in Washington, D.C., you will notice a variety of birds. The city is home to over 300 bird species, from tiny finches clinging to flower heads to large hawks soaring in the sky above. These birds rely on diverse plant life and green spaces to nest, feed, and seek shelter throughout the year.

If you are interested in making your garden more bird-friendly there are a couple of things to keep in mind. To begin with, it is important to select plant species that are native to your region. Native plants are not only well adapted to the soil and climate, thus requiring less maintenance, but also have high nutritional value. The fruit of native North American shrubs and trees has been shown to have as much as 50 percent higher fat content than those of non-native species. This increased fat content supplies birds with the energy they need to migrate and survive the colder months.

Make sure to plan for all four seasons when designing your home garden with birds in mind. Here are some suggestions for plants that provide food, water, and shelter year-round:

Spring

Birds are quite busy in the spring. Preoccupied with laying eggs and taking care of their young, they need secure nests made from materials like twigs, leaves, and fibers. Native grasses, shrubs, and trees contribute shelter and nesting materials. Grasses like red fescue (Festuca rubra) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) offer dense cover for ground-nesting birds. Shrubs such as American holly (Ilex opaca) and thorny prairie rose (Rosa virginiana) protect from predators and weather. Taller trees like Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) offer elevated nesting sites and additional cover. These plants collectively support various bird species by providing distinct advantages at different habitat levels.

You need more bugs! Many birds rely on insects, especially caterpillars, to feed their young. It’s important to plant species that attract insects. Trees such as oak (Quercus spp.) and native perennial plants like milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) host butterfly and moth larvae. Caterpillars are high in protein and fat, critical for the growth of young birds.

Summer

In addition to insects, birds rely on seeds as a food source during the summer. Seeds are high in protein, fat, and fiber, which birds need as they molt and raise their young. Plant sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) to attract all sorts of birds including goldfinches, cardinals, and woodpeckers.

Sunflower at the National Musuem of American History, Victory Garden.

Don’t forget about nectar-loving birds! Hummingbirds and orioles are two great examples of birds with fast metabolisms and high energy needs that depend on sucrose in nectar to thrive. Hummingbirds, for instance, can visit up to 2,000 flowers a day to meet their energy demands. Native plants like coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) are perfect for summer, attracting hummingbirds with their bright red, sweet-smelling flowers. Orioles are drawn to trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), which produces vibrant orange, nectar-rich blooms.

Fall

Birds turn to nutrient-rich berries to meet their high-energy needs in the fall, as insects become scarce. Berries, such as those from highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), provide birds with energy, carbohydrates, and antioxidants needed for migration. These varieties are also a delicious treat for humans!

Winterberry Holly at the Anacostia Community Museum.

Native nut trees like hickory (Carya spp.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia) serve as additional key food sources for birds. High-protein hickory nuts are eaten by woodpeckers and blue jays, who stash them away for the upcoming winter months. Nuthatches and tufted titmice enjoy the smaller, high-fat nuts from American beech trees.

Winter

Berries are an important food source for birds in the winter. Many native berry bushes have cold-weather adaptations, such as high sugar content and thick outer skins, which help them survive freezing and thawing cycles. For example, American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) and winterberry (Ilex verticillata) produce berries that are available through the winter, providing birds with carbohydrates and nutrients when other food sources are scarce.

Consider setting up a feeder in the winter to help birds find food. You can fill it with seeds like black oil sunflower seeds which are high in fat and protein for energy; millet, which furnishes essential carbohydrates; and thistle seeds, rich in fat and protein for small birds. You can also offer cut-up fruit such as grapes, citrus slices, apples, or bananas for extra vitamins and energy. These foods help support birds through the winter and will likely attract various species to your yard.

Once you’ve selected your plants, add a bird bath to attract more birds to your yard. Bird baths provide fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. Place the bath near a shrub or other cover so birds have a place to escape and feel secure from predators. Use a shallow bowl with a ledge for perching and be sure to clean and refill the water every few days to keep it fresh and inviting.

By choosing native plants that offer food, water, and shelter throughout the year, you can create a garden that supports local bird populations and enhances your outdoor space. Not only will you provide essential resources for birds, but you’ll also enjoy observing them in your yard all year long. For an excellent example of a bird-friendly garden in an urban setting, visit the Urban Bird Habitat at the National Museum of Natural History for more inspiration and ideas.