Can anything beat the joy of seeing birds flock to your garden? For many (myself included), the answer is no. Maybe that’s why we’re always on the lookout for new ways to attract these wonderful creatures.
If you’ve ever been on the same quest, you’re in luck! It turns out that birds are drawn to certain colors like a moth to a flame. They can even see ultraviolet light, which makes some shades pop even more to them.
And just to clear the air, white isn’t one of those colors. But the 8 I’m about to share will definitely do the trick!
Stay tuned, because your garden’s about to get a whole lot more colorful (and bird-friendly)!
1. Red: A True Magnet For Hummingbirds
Did you know that hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the color red? These tiny, energetic birds are hardwired to seek out red flowers and plants because they associate the color with nectar-rich blooms.
It’s no surprise they zoom in on red, it’s their favorite shade! To make your garden a hummingbird haven, start with a red birdhouse to catch their eye.
Then, plant vibrant red flowers like trumpet vines, coral bells, and red salvias, and you’ll have these little wonders visiting all season long.
2. Yellow: Beloved By Goldfinches And American Robins
Goldfinches and American robins are naturally drawn to yellow, but it’s not just because it’s pretty, it’s because yellow is often associated with a variety of food sources they love.
For goldfinches, yellow flowers like goldenrod or black-eyed Susans are prime spots for picking seeds, while robins find yellow hues in ripening fruits and berries irresistible.
Also, yellow is associated with warmth and sunlight, making it even more inviting for these birds that thrive in bright, sunny spaces. Bring a splash of yellow into your garden, and you’ll be giving these birds the green light to visit!
3. Orange: Orioles And Tanagers Adore It
If you’ve ever wondered why orioles and tanagers love orange, the answer is simple: it’s a food magnet!
For orioles, orange blooms are a sign of nectar-filled flowers, while tanagers associate the color with ripe fruits, like the vibrant berries of rowan and elderberry bushes.
Orange flowers like trumpet vines and marigolds not only brighten up your garden, but they also serve as a welcome mat for these beautiful birds.
So, if you want to attract more orioles and tanagers, adding orange to your landscape is a surefire way to do it!
4. Purple: A Favorite Of Purple Finches
It’s not really surprising that purple finches have a soft spot for purple. But it’s not just because it looks good… It’s often a sign of a tasty snack!
These beautiful birds have a strong preference for purple flowers, like lavender, lupine, and violet pansies, because they signal a plentiful source of nectar.
As an added bonus, these flowers also provide shelter!
Well, do you want to make your garden a purple finch haven? All you need is plant a variety of purple trees or flowers, and watch as your feathered friends flock in!
5. Blue: Naturally Draws Blue Jays And Bluebirds
Okay, it’s a no-brainer: blue attracts blue jays and bluebirds. But there’s more to the story than just matching their names.
Blue is a color that stands out in nature, and these birds love it for a reason. Blue jays are drawn to blue berries and flowers like bluebells, while bluebirds are all about blue lobelia and morning glories.
But here’s the twist: blue also helps these birds blend in! Their plumage acts like camouflage against the blue sky, making it easier for them to perch safely while they watch for predators.
So, if you want your garden to be a bird hotspot, plant more blue flowers and give these beautiful birds a safe space to thrive!
6. Pink: A Hit With Sparrows And Finches
I’m crazy about sparrows and finches and I have to admit, the color pink helped me attract these magnificent creatures to my garden.
I’ve noticed that finches love the pink flowers in my garden, like zinnias, fuchsias, and nasturtiums, while sparrows are more into the seeds from plants like cosmos and clover.
Plus, pink creates a nice visual contrast in the garden and it’ll definitely help the birds spot their meal!
7. Green: A Must-Have For Woodpeckers
Want to see woodpeckers in your garden? Green is the color that’ll make it happen. The reason why woodpeckers love green is actually pretty simple: it’s the color of their natural habitat!
It’s obvious that it reminds them of the forest and we all know that green trees are their primary food source.
Woodpeckers love foraging for insects in the bark of green trees like oak and pine, and they’ll often drum on them too. Adding green plants like ivy or ferns to your garden will make it a more inviting place for these stunning birds to visit.
8. Black: The First Choice Of Robins!
You might think that black isn’t an attractive color for birds, but let me clear things up: some birds, like robins, absolutely adore it.
Yes, it may sound minimalist, but robins are drawn to black because it complements the earthy tones of their natural environment.
Adding plants that produce dark berries, such as elderberries or blackberries, can easily draw robins to your garden. They also love the contrast black provides, which helps them spot food in a more subtle way.
It’s the simple things that catch their attention, so don’t overlook black in your garden!
So, what do you say, are you ready to transform your garden into a bird magnet? With the colors I’ve shared, your backyard will be the talk of the bird community.