Attracting Birds & Butterflies

Approximately 350 species of birds live in Georgia at some point in their life. Most Atlanta-area homes can attract about 20 different types of birds to their backyard.

3 Things needed to attract birds & butterflies

1. Food

    • Hummingbirds and butterflies prefer perennials and flowering shrubs for nectar/food.
      • Early Season Favorites
        • Dianthus
        • Verbena
        • Both are great options in the garden or container garden.
      • Spring & Early Summer Favorites
        • Coneflowers
        • Yarrow
        • Annual Cosmos – also a great cut flower
      • Summer Favorites
        • Butterfly Bush
        • Marigolds
        • Lantana
        • Sage
        • Rosemary
        • Lavender 
    • Bird Feeders
      • It’s important to supplement nature’s natural food sources with a bird feeder. This attracts birds early in the season and will attract more birds because there’s a constant food supply.
    • Different foods attract different birds
      • Nectar: Hummingbirds, Orioles
      • Thistle seed: Finches, Pine Siskin, Chickadee, Wren
      • Sunflower Meats: Songbirds
      • Suet: Woodpeckers, Bluebird, Thrasher, Mockingbird, Wren, Junco, Nuthatch
      • Hot blends: Cajun spiced to deter squirrels
      • Mealworms: Bluebird

2. Water

    • Birds need water year-round for drinking and bathing
    • Moving water will attract more birds
    • Use dunk pellets to prevent mosquitos in birdbaths
    • Refresh birdbaths weekly

3. Shelter

    • Plants for Food & Shelter
      • Evergreens
      • Trees
      • Berry bushes
      • Grasses
      • Vines
      • Perennials
      • Annuals
      • Hanging basketsBird Houses
        • Can be used as an additional shelter in addition to plants
        • Bird houses come in a variety of sizes and shapes for a variety of birds
        • Bird houses should be functional & decorative