Birds in Backyards

While our cities and suburbs may appear green, they can pose challenges for many native bird species:

1. Current Landscape:

• Our gardens and parks predominantly consist of lawns dotted with a few trees and shrubs.
• This habitat benefits larger native birds like Currawongs, Cockatoos, Magpies, Noisy Miners, and Rainbow Lorikeets.
• However, it isn’t ideal for smaller native birds such as Superb Fairy-wrens, Thornbills, smaller honeyeaters or birds of prey.

2. The Opportunity:

• Cities offer significant potential as refuges for native birds.
• Approximately half of Australia’s threatened bird species inhabit urban fringes.
• By strategically planting the right species and incorporating an understory of plants, shrubs, and trees, we can transform individual gardens into collective urban bird habitat.

3. Creating Bird-Friendly Spaces:

• Choose native plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds.
• Create dense patches of shrubs for small birds. Dense plantings keep out cats and larger predatory birds.
• Install a bird bath, but remember to clean it regularly. Bird baths and feeders can be a source of disease for birds.

More information

Habitat Stepping Stones

Birds in Backyards

Bathing Birds Study

Aussie Backyards Bird Count

Hollows as Homes

Habitat Network