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, National Association of audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write 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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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 as sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, them inappropriate for small urban properties--or they may not be winter hardy 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 trees in towns, natural nesting sites Landscaping for 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

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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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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 1 5 Attracting reptiles drill holes (from 8⁄ -inch to 16⁄ -inch in and amphibians Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, rac­ 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 1 3 Space the holes about 2⁄ -inch to 4⁄ - snakes all have a place in the back­ ly found in many urban environ­ 5 inch apart.The 16⁄ -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.

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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 Migratory Songbird Conservation. they find it. Many of them would (NWF) sponsors a certification pro- (www.fws.gov/~r9mbmo/pam­ love to find their home in your back- gram designed to help individuals phlet/pamphlets.html). For more yard, just as many have found a plan and apply a wildlife habitat plan information contact: home in the large backyards of for a home site or small acreage. On U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service America’s farmers and ranchers. request, NWF will send you an appli­ Office of Public Affairs cation package and instructions for Washington, DC 20240 As a matter of fact, private landown­ 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 other grains specifically for wildlife. more lasting back- 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.

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