Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Latin: Archilochus colubris
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Northern Mockingbird on Eastern Redbud. Photo: Glenda Simmons/Great Backyard Bird Count
"It's simple: By gardening with native plants, no matter where you live or how small or large your space is, you can help sustain wildlife." - Doug Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home
Your yard -- and the kinds of plants in it -- matters more than you may know. Native plants play a very important role in providing the food birds need to survive and thrive in a way that non-native plants cannot do.
Going Native
Native plants are those that occur naturally in an area. North Carolina, with its diverse geography, is home to thousands of native plant species! Our natural wildlife - including birds - have adapted to the resources provided by North Carolina's native plant population. These plants and trees are, in a real sense, home for our birds.
Why are native plants important?
In a word: insects... Almost all land birds require insects to feed their young. Even seed-eating birds often must feed their babies insects to ensure their survival. Insects cannot adapt to eating non-native plants. Less native plants means less insects, which in turn means fewer bird babies growing to adulthood.
Nuts and seeds are a very important source of fat for birds as they help keep their skin and feathers healthy. Check out these four species from our 2018 Bird-Friendly Native Plants of the Year list!
Nectar is a sweet treat that provides essential nutrients for one of our most recognizable backyard birds - the hummingbird! Find the best native nectar-producing plants for birds here.
Berries are so important to birds. Check out these top four types of bountiful berry plants on our 2018 Bird-Friendly Native Plants of the Year list!
Learn how Audubon North Carolina helped establish a bird and pollinator-friendly garden at the Executive Mansion!
Outside of Boone, High Country Audubon is reviving the hillsides and riverbanks of a park with native plants.
The partnership between Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society and St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, North Carolina, is just one example of the chapter's work in the community.
Audubon advocates rally to help pass native plants bill.
Municipal leaders vote in favor of more native trees and plants to accompany new development.
Native plants play a very important role in providing the food birds need to survive and thrive.
Sign-up to get a special updates twice a year with tips on how to care for native plants.
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
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