Nothing brings life and colour to a landscape like songbirds, but recent studies are finding that almost all songbird species are in decline.  The reasons for this are not entirely understood, but habitat loss is judged to be a major factor.  Since these birds spend half their time here and half in the tropics, they are affected by loss of habitat at both ends of their trip.

  Although we all regret the loss of tropical rainforest, here in Canada we are responsible for the diminishing summer habitat of these birds.  It is not just the clear-cutting of forests that impact on songbird populations, but also the manicured ‘green deserts’ surrounding our homes.  The good news is that we have the ability to help our feathered friends by improving the habitat available to them during the all-important breeding season.

Food

Many birds eagerly seek out fruit and berry producing shrubs such as cherries, serviceberries, raspberries and dogwoods.  Planting clumps, thickets, and hedgerows of shrubs will increase the attractiveness of an area for both birds and people, and many are breathtaking when in bloom.  Fringe areas allowed to fill in with ‘weeds’ and wildflowers are also attractive and will provide a food source for seed-eating birds and attract the insects relished by insectivores.  A variety of tree species such as maples, ashes, and conifers will nourish the seedeaters.  Bird feeders help to supplement natural food supplies and provide an enjoyable pastime for many people.  By encouraging a diversity of plant species, a diversity of bird species will follow.

Cover

Cover is used by animals to escape from predators and as a secure area for nesting.  It is needed at all levels because several species inhabit only certain types of cover.  Most of our home landscapes have trees to provide the necessary canopy cover, but are lacking in ground layers (below one metre) and understory layers (from one to ten metres).  Again, a mixture of plant species is needed to provide a variety of cover in all seasons.  Dead trees are needed for nesting by many species, but nest boxes can be substituted where these are lacking.

Water

A small pool or birdbath will increase the attractiveness of an area to birds, especially in an urban or suburban setting where water may be scarce.  Have some rocks emerging from the water to allow insects to land and drink.  A bottle suspended upside-down with a small hole in the lip will drip into the pool luring birds and encouraging them to bathe.  Most birds like a water depth less than three inches for bathing, so if you’re installing a large pond try to include a shallow area.  Situate the water so predators can’t sneak up on the birds while they are drinking or bathing, and with escape cover not too far away.

Space

‘Space’ is understood to mean the size and inhabitants of a habitat.  Some species require unbroken tracts of closed canopy forests larger than 100 hectares.  Cutting a logging road or hydro line through a forested area may result in the loss of these species.  This also provides nest predators like jays, cowbirds, crows, cats, and raccoons with easier access to the forest interior.  If you own large tracts of forest, avoid clear-cutting areas larger than 0.3 hectares (3/4 acre).

  Many songbirds need certain tree species or vegetation heights, so by maintaining a diversity of trees and shrubs you can ensure a maximum diversity of songbird species.