Attracting Birds

Learn how to attract birds to your backyard with these expert tips on plants and trees that attract birds, bird nesting and feeding birds.

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Why Do Owls Nest So Early in the Year?

Instead of waiting until the weather warms up in spring, many owl species choose their nest sites in winter.

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The Birdfy Smart Bird Bath Welcomed a Surprising Variety of Birds—And Helped Me Learn Their Names, Too

I just wanted to give birds a place to drink. The Birdfy Smart Bird Bath turned that simple gesture into...


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Never Use Lysol to Disinfect a Bird Feeder—Here’s Why

Should you use disinfectant sprays on bird feeders and bird houses? Find out if these products are safe for your...


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Birds Not Coming to Your Feeder? Here’s What to Do

Don't panic if it seems like birds are not coming to your bird feeders. See what the experts say you...


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The Best Way to Keep Algae Out of Your Birdbath

Frustrated trying to prevent algae from growing in your birdbath water? Get expert tips on the only solution that works...

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If You See Cowbird Eggs in a Nest, This Is What to Do

Female brown-headed cowbirds lay eggs in other birds' nests. Find out what you should do if you see cowbird eggs.


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Q&A: TODAY’s Al Roker Talks Backyard Birding and Unexpected Feeder Guests

The TODAY Show's Al Roker appreciates the birds in his backyard. Here's what he puts in his feeder, and why...

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15 Seed-Eating Feeder Birds You Might See

If you hang a bird feeder and fill it with birdseed, which birds will come? See some of most common...


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Bald Eagle Nests: The Largest Bird Nests in North America

Learn about bald eagle nesting habits, from how and where to spot the large nests to why they return to...


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Goldfinch Nests: Everything You Need to Know

Get facts about goldfinch nests, including where and when the birds nest, how many eggs they lay, and what baby...


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Why Do Birds Abandon Their Nests?

Nesting season brings joy to the backyard, but sometimes things don't work out as expected. Learn why birds may abandon...

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Attract Fruit-Eating Birds With Fresh-Picked Treats

Attract a flock of fruit-eating fruit-eating birds to your backyard with a tasty medley of berries, oranges and more.


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This Is Why Your Birdhouse Needs a Predator Guard

Keep birds and their eggs safe! Here's why a predator guard is a great option for deterring unwanted visitors to...


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Why You Should Plant Marigolds Near Your Bird Feeder

If you're planting flowers near bird feeders, consider marigolds. Birds feast on the seeds and the bugs that marigolds attract.


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Should You Put Out Dog Hair for Birds to Make Nests?

Will birds use dog hair for building their nests? Find out if experts say you should put out extra pet...


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Attract Birds With White Proso Millet Seed

White proso millet seed can be a great addition to your bird-feeding landscape. Learn which birds eat it, how to...

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Is It Illegal to Knock Down Old Bird Nests?

After nesting season is over, what should you do with the old bird nests? Is it illegal to remove bird...


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What Is a Rookery? All About Great Blue Heron Nests

Have you ever seen a great blue heron nest or rookery? Find out where, when, and how these magnificent birds...


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Don’t Fill Your Birdbath With Garden Hose Water—Here’s Why

Filling a birdbath with fresh water helps the birds. But make sure the birdbath water you're using is safe for...


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How to Keep Birdseed From Sprouting in Your Garden

Will heating birdseed stop it from sprouting when it hits the ground? See what experts say, and get more mess-free...


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Join the Garden for Birds Project to Boost Backyard Habitat

Grow native plants for the birds! Learn about Cornell’s new Garden for Birds program and how to participate.


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Do Woodpeckers Mate for Life?

Discover which woodpeckers mate for life, and which pair up and then split up. Also learn how long pileated woodpeckers...


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How to Build an Osprey Nesting Platform

If you want an osprey pair to nest near you, your best bet is to build an osprey platform. Find...


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Do Birds Use Birdhouses in the Winter?

Cavity nesting birds may use a birdhouse for winter shelter, but some birds hide out from the freezing cold in...


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If You See Moths in Your Birdseed, This Is What to Do

Find out how to get rid of larvae or moths in your birdseed and if the food is still safe...

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Grow Native American Bittersweet for the Birds

Native American bittersweet’s colorful berries will bring plenty of fruit-loving birds to your backyard.


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Fact or Fiction: Will Birds Get Sick if They Eat Rice?

You may have heard that feeding birds rice is bad for them and should be avoided. Learn if this is...


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Why Birds Love Native Virginia Creeper Vine

Virginia creeper vine could be a good pick for a fence and it benefits birds — but make sure you...


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Are Grape Jelly Feeders Dangerous for Hummingbirds?

Grape jelly feeders attract fruit-eating birds, but is there a risk to hummingbirds? Learn how to feed jelly safely and...


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Does Birdseed Expire and How Can You Tell?

Feeding birds is fun — but it's important to make sure you're offering fresh food. Here's how to tell if...


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If a Bird Is Dive-Bombing You, This Is Why

Watch out! Why are birds dive-bombing you? Here's what you should know if a bird is scolding or swooping down...