Non-carnivorous birds are attracted by nectar, fruit and seed bearing plants.
Carnivorous birds such as Butcher Birds, Currawong, Owls and Kookaburra are attracted to a garden with good biodiversity including small creatures such as lizards, worms, mice, frogs and fish.
Plants that offer dense growth, such as hedges or prickly leaves, provide habitat and protection for nesting. Some of the larger birds, such as Owls and Rosellas, look for hollow trees – a nesting box in the garden provides a good alternative.
BIRD ATTRACTING PLANTS INCLUDE;
Acmena smithii (Scrub Cherry) – An evergreen Lilly Pilly large shrub or small tree, with cream powder-puff blossoms followed by mauve edible berries. Fruiting attracts a wide range of fruit-eating rainforest pigeons. Parrots will also feed on the fruit. Flowers attract a wide range of insects. For small bird habitat look for the denser growing improved broad leaf forms such as A. FIRESCREEN, A. RED HEAD and A. SUBLIME. Hedge from 1m high. Very hardy and coastal and wind tolerant. Also good in pots for roof top gardens, courtyards and patios.
Edible cherry - Acmena RED HEAD.
Allocasuarina cunninghamiana (River She-Oak) – occurs along river banks. Birds are attracted to the red flowers and needle-like leaves which they use for nesting material.
Archontopheonix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm) – Fig Birds and Fruit Doves love to feast on the red berries which form in a large cluster after flowing.
Banksias - attract the nectar-feeding birds, including wattle birds, but they also carry seeds which attracts seed-eaters, such as cockatoos.
Callistemon (Bottlebrush) attract a range of birds, including the insect eating fairy wren.
Camelia spp. (Camelia japonica, Camelia sasanqua) - excellent hedge and screen plants, Camelias provide both habitat for nesting and flower nectar enjoyed by native birds.
Grevillea (Honey Gem, ‘Scarlet Sprite’, ‘Firesprite’ ) - Grevilleas are great bird plants. Rainbow lorikeets love ‘Honey Gem’. They adore the nectar and seeds and they won't knock back the odd insect or two either. The dense, prickly foliage provides protection from predators as well as fabulous, safe nesting sites.
Raphiolepis indica (Indian Hawthawn) – an ideal hedge plant for coastal conditions, with dark green shiny, leathery leaves. Excellent small bird habitat. Comes in both white and pink flowering forms. Clip to height desired. Drough tolerant once established. Very hardy.
Magnolia grandiflora (Bull Bay Magnolia or compact forms Little Gem, Kay Parris) Lovely specimen tree 8m+ with dark green glossy leaves with rust red back and saucer-sized cream, fragrant blooms. Coastal tolerant. Not for frosty areas.
Support bird-life in your garden - invest in a tree or shrub, add a bird bath and be rewarded with song, colour, pollination AND the bonus of insect and pest control!
