How to bring birds to your backyard

Here’s how to attract more native birds to your backyard

Want to attract more local native birds to your backyard, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with these simple ways you can take action at home.

Small changes can make a big difference for birds

For many of us, our love of birds begins in our own backyard.

Our homes and neighbourhoods are usually the first places we really notice and begin to pay attention to the birds around us – and for many of us, bird conservation begins in our own backyards, too.

Not so long ago, Australia’s urban landscapes weren’t really considered important habitat for birds – but today, urban and backyard bird conservation has never been more critical.

Now, we know that biodiversity is declining while the number of threatened species is increasing across the country, especially in our towns and cities – but we also know that they are hotspots for biodiversity. Numerous globally significant Key Biodiversity Areas and around 30% of Australia’s threatened species are found within our urban centres.

But life in the city isn’t easy, and the odds are stacked against many native urban birds. The growth of some of our cities is among the highest in the developed world, and as cities rapidly expand and become more densely populated, their diversity of birdlife is declining.

That’s why initiatives like BirdLife Australia’s Birds in Backyards program and our annual Aussie Bird Count are so important – by engaging, educating and inspiring thousands of people around the country to appreciate, connect with and protect the birds and nature around them.

If you loved the Aussie Bird Count and want to attract more birds to your backyard in time for next year’s Count, here are some simple ways you can take action at home – because small changes can make a big difference for birds.

Plant a habitat garden

A lot of people believe that feeding wild birds is the best way to help them. While they mean well, many don’t realise that they may be doing more harm than good for our feathered friends, and that if done incorrectly, feeding wild birds can lead to serious problems, including malnutrition, disease and unbalanced populations.

Instead, the best way to help the birds in your backyard is to provide them with natural resources by planting habitat for feeding, nesting and shelter. Widespread land clearing and fragmentation is one of the biggest threats facing birds, so growing your own bird-friendly garden with lots of food and places to hide goes a long way.

Tips for creating bird habitat

Get to know your local birds (and garden)

Learn what species in your area you want to attract and what they like to eat, and consider their specific shelter and nesting requirements.

Take stock of what plants you already have and which birds are using them. Always add to your garden before you take away from it: try planting new vegetation to supplement what’s already there.

Plant local

Plant local native vegetation wherever possible. Species that occur naturally in your area have an existing relationship with local wildlife and are more likely to grow and survive, as they’ve already adapted to local conditions. Visit your local native nursery, Landcare and council website for a list of local endemic plants.

Choose a variety of plants for a variety of birds

To encourage birds to visit your garden throughout the year, choose a range of plants that will provide different resources in each season so that there’s always something flowering, fruiting or seeding in your backyard. Include plants that attract insects – a vital source of protein for many birds.

A structurally diverse and complex garden will support more species of birds and help deter introduced species like the Common Myna, which prefer simple, open garden structures.

Choose a variety of different species of plants of varying heights. If you have the space, try to include three layers of plants: plant tall trees, shrubs and ground cover to create a canopy, midstorey and an understorey.

To attract smaller birds, plant a layer of dense shrubs for them to nest and hide in, and choose plants with small flowers for them to feed on.

Find out more about bird-friendly gardening.

Install a bird bath

Like us, birds need water to survive – and many backyard species need fresh water to drink and bathe in. Providing a source of safe, clean and cool water in your garden is a great way to help local native birds year-round, especially during hot weather.

You don’t need to buy a fancy bird bath – everyday household items, such as plastic tubs, containers, buckets, hanging pots and ceramic dishes are also great options. However, try to avoid metal receptacles, which can overheat.

Different species prefer different depths of water, so try a variety of shapes and sizes to see what works best for the birds in your backyard.

Install your bird bath close to trees and shrubs, so that birds will have somewhere to survey their surroundings and safe places to escape to. 

You can also avoid bath bullies by placing a range of water sources at different heights around your garden, so that every bird has a place to drink and bathe.

Place the bird bath away from direct sunlight, and add a perch, such as rocks, a brick or branch to the water (especially if the bath is smooth or deep) so that if a bird or other animal falls in, it can climb out safely.

Replace the water daily to avoid the spread of disease, and clean and scrub it regularly.

Learn more about providing water for birds.

For more ways to help your local native birds and attract more birds to your backyard, watch our recent Birds Meet webinar with Dr Holly Parsons.