Native species are usually your best bet as they are generally more adapted to the area, tend to be disease-resistant, and are more familiar to the birds. It is best to avoid shrubs or trees that offer little, no, or poor quality food. Forsythias, redbud and lilacs offer some cover, but no food. Lilacs, however, are great for attracting butterflies, and many people like the spring color of redbuds. These plants should be used sparingly in your wildlife landscaping plan.
Migrants pass through during spring and fall.
Winter and summer residents stay for only a few months each year, while still other birds are year-round residents. Plant combinations that provide food and cover throughout the year, especially for the winter months, are best. Mountain ash, highbush cranberry, native sumacs, hawthorn and crabapples are examples of winter food-bearing plants. Evergreen trees provide good cold-weather shelter, and some plants such as red cedar provide winter cover as well as winter food for birds. Because of potential problems with cedar-apple rust, cedars aren't suitable for growing next to an apple orchard.