Wildlife

Habitat
Make a home for birds, butterflies,
and nature's other creatures.

In your backyard by the tallest tree branches; under- Trees and shrubs are the backbone
story vegetation consisting of smaller of any landscaping design and are
Habitat is a combination of food, trees, shrubs, and vines; the floor important for wildlife shelter. Many
water, shelter, and space arranged to which is often dominated by low- tree and shrub species are excellent
meet the needs of wildlife. Even a growing groundcovers; and the base- sources of food for wildlife. Proper
small yard can be landscaped to ment where a variety of organisms selection of plant material can meet
attract birds, butterflies, beneficial exist in the soil. Different wildlife both the aesthetic needs of the
insects, and small animals.Trees, species live in each of these zones, homeowner and the food and shelter
shrubs, and other plants provide so numerous habitats can be provid- needs of wildlife. Remember that
shelter and food for wildlife. ed on a small piece of land. you are part of the habitat!

The plants you use for food and

cover will help determine the
wildlife species attracted to your
backyard. Nesting boxes, feeders, and
watering sites can be added to
improve the habitat.

Planning your
wildlife habitat
Planning is necessary for attractive
and productive wildlife habitat.You
have both a horizontal area to work
with--the size of your lot--as well as a
vertical area that stretches from your
soil to the treetops.The vertical area
is composed of the canopy formed

To attract wildlife to your backyard,

choose and plant the trees, shrubs, and
plants that offer the food and shelter
that those species of wildlife need to
survive. Add a water source, too.

Backyard
Conservation
is a cooperative project of:
USDA Natural Resources The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to
Conservation Service all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write
National Association of USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-
Conservation Districts 9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Wildlife Habitat Council
April 1998 One in a series of 10 tip sheets on backyard conservation
BACKYARD Wildlife Habitat

Steps to create you want to save, start exploring mate, and wildlife. Other considera-
habitat for wildlife options for plants that will work tions for choosing and placement:
well with these species.The existing • Eventual size.Whether they are
1. Identify all existing plants. Note: plants around your yard may be ade- evergreen or deciduous (trees
• Condition of the plants and their quate to attract some wildlife, but a that drop their leaves). Deciduous
locations. few changes can effectively enhance trees planted on the south side of
• How much shade the trees and the existing habitat. Diversity in the a house will provide summer
shrubs provide. landscape is necessary. Some plants shade, but will not completely
• Are trees evergreen or do they provide food but very little cover; block winter sun.
drop their leaves in the fall? others provide cover but little food. • Neighboring properties.
• Do they provide valuable food • Flowering and fruiting habit.
sources? 3. Add trees, shrubs, flowers, and Select plants that flower and bear
groundcovers to your plan. Not all fruit at different times of the year.
2. Make a sketch of your yard noting the planting needs to be done at Some shrubs that produce berries
all existing plants, buildings, utilities, once. If money or time is limited, can provide food throughout the
and pathways.You may even consid- consider it a work in progress. year.Trees with nuts and fruit can
er removing some plants. In some also provide seasonal foods. (See
cases, trees have been planted too 4. Plant a variety of trees first. Select the tip sheet on tree planting for
close to buildings or have grown evergreen species for year-round suggested species.)
much larger than the previous cover and shelter. Select fruit or nut-
owner envisioned. Some species may bearing plants for a food source. 5. Fill in with smaller shade-tolerant
be of little wildlife value and may Native species are well suited for understory trees and shrubs. Add
not be particularly attractive. Once providing wildlife habitat because these to an existing landscape to
you have identified existing plants they are adapted to the local soil, cli- enhance the vertical structure that is
common in natural landscapes. Many
smaller trees and shrubs are colorful
at spring flowering, and provide
berries for fall and winter feed.

6. Flowering annuals (plants that live

one growing season) and perennials
(plants that live for more than a
year) add color to the yard and can
be added at any stage to attract birds
and butterflies. If your yard is large,
consider using part of it for tall
native grasses that provide beauty, as
well as a natural source of food and
Many plans are available for shelter.A native wildflower garden
building bird houses and other provides the same function. Even on
shelter for backyard wildlife. a small lot, native wildflowers, as
well as some common garden
species, can provide habitat for a
variety of birds and butterflies.Avoid
straight lines and perfect symmetry.
Natural habitat has curves and
clumps of vegetation.Wildlife is not
particularly attracted to a well-mani-
cured lawn.Wildlife is more likely to
come out into the open for viewing
when the boundary of the yard is
designed and maintained as a retreat
for animals.

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BACKYARD Wildlife Habitat

Plant Species for birds are year-round residents, while oth-

ers such as the cedar waxwing
Below are some plant species to consider for wildlife habitat. Check with a local appear only for a few days a year
nursery on plants suitable for your area. Some of these plants, while suited for
during migration. Other species such
wildlife, may have characteristics such as shallow roots or weak limbs that make
them inappropriate for small urban properties--or they may not be winter hardy
as sparrows, blue jays, cardinals,
in all locations. Birds eat many flower seeds– depending on the species of bird. robins, juncos, and chickadees are
highly adaptable and found in many
Trees for birds Trumpet creeper or vine environments.
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) (Campis radicans)
American holly (Ilex opaca) Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus Many people are not aware of the
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) quinquefolia) value of dead, dying, and hollow
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) Wild grape (Vitis spp.) trees, as well as logs on the ground,
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) for birds and other wildlife. Dead
Crabapple (Malus spp.) Nectar plants for hummingbirds, trees provide homes to more than
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) butterflies, or bees 400 species of birds, mammals, and
Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) Aster (Aster spp.) amphibians. Fish, plants, and fungi
Hickories (Carya spp.) Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) also benefit from dead and dying
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) Butterfly bush (Buddleia alternifolia) trees. Consider leaving standing dead
Oaks (Quercus spp.) Butterfly weed and other milkweeds and dying trees in your yard unless
Red mulberry (Morus rubra) (Asclepias spp.) they pose a human safety or proper-
Clover and other legumes ty hazard, and use old logs and
Shrubs for birds Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) stumps in gardens and landscaping.
Common juniper (Juniperus communis) Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Additional food and
Hollies--both evergreen and deciduous Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) shelter for birds
species (Ilex spp.) Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Pyracantha (Pyracantha spp.) Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) Few yards will be able to supply suf-
Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) ficient food or shelter for a variety of
Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) Jewel weed (Impatiens capensis or birds all year long. However, you can
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) I.pallida) improve shelter and food supplies by
Sumacs (Rhus spp.) Lobelia (Lobelia spp. ) building or purchasing feeders and
Viburnums (Viburnum spp.) Lupine (Lupinus spp.) houses, and by setting out certain
Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Penstemon (Penstemon spp. ) foods.
Phlox (Phlox spp. )
Vines for birds Salvia (Salvia spp. ) Most bird species have specific nest-
American bittersweet (Celastrus scan- Trumpet creeper or vine ing requirements. Because of these
dens) (Campis radicans) requirements, your yard may not
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera semper Weigela (Weigela spp. ) accommodate certain species. For
virens and related spp.) Zinnia (Zinnia spp.) instance, Eastern bluebirds prefer
Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) nesting sites that border open fields
or lawns with a tree or fence post
nearby to provide feeding perches.
Chickadees prefer to nest in more
Landscaping for trees in towns, natural nesting sites
wooded areas.
birds are often limited.Also, some highly
competitive, non-native species of
Food and cover are essential for the birds have taken over some of the Before setting out nesting houses,
survival of all species. Loss of suit- existing nesting sites once occupied find out which species are common
able nesting sites is a major factor in by native birds. in your area and can be encouraged
the decline of some bird species. In to nest in your yard. Make or buy a
the wild, many species nest in cavi- Bird species are extremely variable bird house specifically designed for
ties of dead trees.With the loss of in their habits. Some like deeply the bird you wish to attract.The size
hedgerows in some parts of the wooded areas; others prefer open of the entrance hole is critical to
country and the removal of dead fields and meadows. Many species prevent the eggs and young from

3
BACKYARD Wildlife Habitat

being destroyed by larger birds-- Hummingbird feeders can be pur- are common in your area and use
always check a list of appropriate chased and filled with a sugar-water plants they like. Nectar feeders can
hole sizes. Other considerations solution, consisting of 1 part sugar to be placed in the yard to attract but-
include box size, height above the 4 parts water. Every 3 to 4 days, terflies. Do not use insecticides near
ground, direction the entrance hole wash the feeder with soap and plants for butterflies. Learn to recog-
faces, and amount of sunlight. Boxes water, rinse thoroughly, and add new nize larval and egg forms.That large
may need baffles or other protective sugar water. green and black caterpillar eating
devices to limit access by cats and your dill may one day turn into the
other predators.A good reference Food and shelter gorgeous butterfly you were hoping
publication is Homes for Birds by for butterflies to attract!
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Colorful butterflies and moths add
Office of Migratory Bird Butterflies, like all insects, are most
beauty and interest to your backyard.
Management. It is available at two active when temperatures are
There are hundreds of different
internet sites: warmer.While moths are commonly
species of butterflies and moths in
www.fws.gov/~r9mbmo/pamphlet/ found at night, most butterflies are
North America. Butterflies and moths
pamphlets or http://birding.mining- active on sunny, warm days.
are insects.They hatch into larvae
co.com/msub12.htm. Butterflies will benefit from a bask-
(commonly referred to as caterpil-
ing site where they can warm up on
lars), eventually become pupae, and
Many species of birds can be attract- cool mornings.Add a light-colored
develop into colorful adults. How
ed by a variety of feed in different rock or concrete garden sculpture as
long the process takes depends on
styles of feeders.There are many a basking site. Butterflies also need a
the species and the climate.
styles of bird feeders available, from source of water.A shallow dish of
window-mounted feeders to those water or a depression in a rock that
Butterflies and moths are amazingly
that hang from branches and stands. retains water is all they need.
particular in their food choices.The
Many birds will readily eat right off
larval stage of the butterfly may
the ground. Bird feed comes in a Attracting bees
require food quite different from
variety of choices; however, sun-
that of the adult. Some larvae con- In the United States, there are nearly
flower seeds appeal to many birds, as
sume tremendous amounts of plant 5,000 different species of native
well as small mammals.
material, seemingly devouring plants bees. Most of them are solitary,
Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chick-
overnight.A common example in the friendly bees that nest in holes in
adees are especially attracted to suet.
garden is the tomato hornworm the ground or burrows in twigs and
Citrus fruit, chopped apples and
which rapidly strips tomato plants of dead tree limbs.These bees do not
bananas, and raisins will be eaten by
their leaves. An equally voracious, have hives to protect them, so they
numerous species, including robins,
but beautiful, larvae is the Eastern are not aggressive and rarely sting.
titmouse, nuthatches, woodpeckers,
black swallowtail which is found Bumblebees, carpenter bees, sweat
and mockingbirds.
only on plants in the carrot family, bees, leafcutter bees, digger bees,
including celery, carrot, dill, and pars- and others pollinate many different
Feeders may also attract wildlife
ley.A close relative is the Eastern kinds of plants.They play a critical
species you may not want to feed
tiger swallowtail that eats the foliage role in healthy wild plant communi-
such as starlings, crows, and squir-
of wild cherry, birch, poplar, ash, and ties and gardens.About 30 percent of
rels. Feeder type and placement and
tulip trees. our diet is the direct result of a polli-
the type of food can help deter
nating visit by a bee to a flowering
unwanted species.
Adult butterflies require food in liq- fruit tree or vegetable plant.
uid form such as plant-produced nec- Providing bee habitat in your yard
Unlike many other species of birds,
tar.They get some of it from flowers can increase the quality and quantity
hummingbirds rely on nectar as their
and from juices of extra-ripe fruit. of your fruits and vegetables.
source of food.These tiny, migratory
The types of flowering plants you
birds are commonly seen in the sum-
grow will determine the kinds of Bees are extremely sensitive to many
mer in northern states gathering nec-
butterflies you attract to your back- commonly applied insecticides. If
tar from colorful flowers.
yard. In addition to the plants listed you must use chemical insecticides
Hummingbirds are typically attracted
for hummingbirds and butterflies, in your garden, apply them in the
to red and yellow tubular flowers,
butterfly bush is especially attractive evening when bees are less likely to
although they frequently visit others.
for butterflies. Find out what species be active.

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BACKYARD Wildlife Habitat

Bees are attracted to most flowering depleting fat reserves and reducing Logs, rocks, and water-holding struc-
plants, and are especially fond of their chances of survival. tures provide drinking and basking
blue and yellow flowers.Try planting habitat for turtles, butterflies, and
your garden to have different species As with all wildlife, bats should be songbirds. Stones with depressions
blooming in the spring, summer, and watched, but not handled or chased. that collect water will help attract
fall. Generally, bats are shy of humans butterflies.
and will not attack or fly after a per-
Bee houses son. However, if caught or picked up A word about
from the ground, a bat may bite. attracting mam-
A good use for untreated scrap lum-
mals
ber (at least 3 to 5 inches thick) is to
Attracting reptiles
drill holes (from 18⁄ -inch to 51⁄ 6-inch in Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, rac-
and amphibians
diameter) about 90 percent of the coons, opossums, skunks, wood-
way into the thick wooden block. Toads, frogs, lizards, turtles, and chucks, mice, and deer are common-
Space the holes about 12⁄ -inch to 34⁄ - snakes all have a place in the back- ly found in many urban environ-
inch apart.The 51⁄ 6-inch holes work yard.While many people may not ments.These species are highly
best as homes for orchard bees want some of these animals in their adaptable and, in many cases, are
which are excellent pollinators of yards, most species are harmless and becoming unwanted visitors rather
fruit trees. Hang your bee blocks often quite beneficial--feeding on than welcome guests.
under the eaves of your house or destructive insects or rodents.
garden shed, protected from direct As with all wildlife, cover is essential
sun and rain. Reptiles and amphibians are cold- for the survival of these species.
blooded animals.Their body temper- Small brush piles intended for
Attracting bats to ature rises and falls as the surround- amphibians and reptiles will also
your yard ing temperatures change. Because of provide shelter for rabbits and mice.
this, these animals need a sunny Chipmunks and woodchucks are
Bats are a beneficial and interesting
basking spot to warm up in the adept at digging their own burrows.
mammal. Bats are the single most
morning.They also need a shady, Trees may provide shelter for squir-
important controller of night-flying
cool spot to spend time during the rels, raccoons, and opossums.
insects, including mosquitoes, moths,
heat of the day and for protection Food set out for birds may attract
and beetles. For example, a single lit-
from predators. many of these animals. Squirrels,
tle brown bat can catch up to 600
chipmunks, and mice will readily eat
mosquitoes in an hour.Watching bats
Shelter for reptiles and amphibians is birdseed. Raccoons will feed on suet.
fly around light posts catching bugs
easy to provide. Several rocks piled Woodchucks and rabbits will eat a
can be an interesting nighttime activ-
in a sunny spot will provide basking variety of vegetation including gar-
ity.
sites. Consider planting shade-toler- den vegetables and flowering plants.
ant groundcovers under trees and Deer are browsers and will nibble at
A bat house in your yard will help
leaving a thick layer of leaves to pro- trees, shrubs, hay and grain.
attract bats and provide them with
vide cool shelter. Stumps, logs, and
much-needed roosting habitat.The
rock piles in a shady spot can be A few precautions can be taken to
house should be placed on a pole at
valuable. avoid unwanted encounters with
least 15 feet high in a spot that
these animals.Avoid setting out food
receives sun at least 4 to 6 hours a
Water for wildlife that may attract scavengers such as
day.Tree trunks are usually too shady
raccoons. Keep garbage cans in a
for bat boxes. Some bat species such Clean, fresh water is as important to
secure shed or garage or use metal
as gray bats, red bats, and hoary bats birds, bats, butterflies, and other
cans that scavengers cannot chew
will use shrubs and trees for roosting wildlife as it is for people.Water in a
through. Check the exterior of your
under loose bark or in cavities. saucer, bird bath, or backyard pond is
house for loose or rotted boards that
adequate for wildlife. Be sure to
could allow access by mice or other
Many species of bats migrate in the change the water every few days to
rodents. Remember that these ani-
fall and hibernate throughout the keep it fresh. In hot weather, it may
mals are wild, and if threatened they
winter months in caves, mines, or be necessary to refill the container
can bite. Raccoons can be particular-
buildings. If disturbed during hiber- daily.
ly aggressive.All these species can
nation, their metabolism is increased,
carry diseases. Do not handle them.

5
BACKYARD Wildlife Habitat

Laws vary from state to state on The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s On the farm
wildlife issues. If you have questions Office of Migratory Bird Management
or concerns about wildlife, check works with groups and individuals to When most of us think of natural
with your state's Department of conserve and manage migratory resource protection or wildlife habi-
Natural Resources or Conservation birds.This agency offers information tat, images of vast expanses of open
Department before taking action. about backyard habitats for birds and land and unbounded water probably
wildlife. Several pamphlets are avail- come to mind.
Backyard habitat able: Backyard Bird Feeding,
programs Backyard Bird Problems, Attract But to hundreds of species of ani-
Birds, Homes for Birds, and mals and insects, home is where
The National Wildlife Federation they find it. Many of them would
Migratory Songbird Conservation.
(NWF) sponsors a certification pro- love to find their home in your back-
(www.fws.gov/~r9mbmo/pam-
gram designed to help individuals yard, just as many have found a
phlet/pamphlets.html). For more
plan and apply a wildlife habitat plan home in the large backyards of
information contact:
for a home site or small acreage. On America’s farmers and ranchers.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
request, NWF will send you an appli-
Office of Public Affairs
cation package and instructions for As a matter of fact, private landown-
Washington, DC 20240
its Backyard Wildlife Habitat ers provide the bulk of the food and
Program. If your application and plan habitat for wildlife in this country.
meet the criteria, you will receive a The Natural Resources Conservation They deserve the credit for making a
certificate and, if you wish, a sign to Service, National Association of home for wildlife on a whopping 70
show your commitment to wildlife Conservation Districts, and Wildlife percent of the land.
conservation. Contact: Habitat Council encourage you to Farmers are installing grass, tree, and
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program sign up in the “Backyard shrub plantings; ponds; riparian
National Wildlife Federation Conservation” program.To partici- buffer strips; wetlands; and other
8925 Leesburg Pike pate, use some of the conservation wildlife habitat at record rates.
Vienna,VA 22184-0001 practices in your backyard that are
or http://www.nwf.org/nwf showcased in this series of fact On the farm, sometimes the tree,
sheets--tree planting, wildlife habitat, shrub and grass plantings don't offer
backyard pond, backyard wetland, enough food or cover for wildlife. So
composting, mulching, nutrient man- some farmers plant food plots espe-
agement, terracing, water conserva- cially for wildlife, or put up struc-
tion, and pest management.Then tures geese and ducks and birds can
simply fill in the Backyard use as protected nests.
Careful thought, Conservation customer response
such as using form or call 1-888-LANDCARE. Some farmers also provide bird and
branch protectors bat houses, while others plant or
for hanging bird
leave food plots of corn, millet, or
food, will create a
more lasting back-
other grains specifically for wildlife.
yard habitat.
Like your neighbors in the country,
you’ll soon discover that by making
your yard more hospitable to nature,
you’ll add pleasure to your life, and
harmony around your home.

6
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