Birds have excellent vision, and bright and beautiful colors will attract different species. Add colors known to attract birds to your yard with colorful flowers, bird feeders, yard furniture, or paint fences a brilliant color.
There are many benefits to having feathered friends visiting your landscape, such as flower pollination, pest control, weed control, and conservation. Use colors that will attract birds’ attention from the sky and provide them shelter, nesting areas, water, and food to keep them in your yard as long as possible.
Let’s delve into the best colors known to attract birds to your yard and how to implement them naturally and artificially!
1. Yellow and Orange
Bright yellow and orange is a great way to attract birds. Orioles, hummingbirds, and goldfinches are especially attracted to yellow and orange as the colors are associated with nectar-filled flowers, seeds, and other food sources.
Plant birds of paradise, sunflowers, and marigold flowers to attract birds. For instance, goldfinches will gravitate towards yellow zinnias and sunflowers. Orange and yellow will add a pop of color to a natural backdrop, making it easier for birds to spot from the sky.
2. Red and Pink
Birds associate red and pink with mature fruits, so having red and pink natural and artificial items will attract a variety of curious birds. It is also one of the colors they can see the best. Most bird species are attracted to red, especially cardinals, siskins, and hummingbirds.
Add nectar to your garden’s red feeders or plant bee balm, hibiscus, and peony. Red or pink feeders with nectar will mimic red flowers and keep hummingbirds returning for more.
3. Blue and Green
Lush, green vegetation indicates to birds that the foliage is healthy and could be a safe place to build a nest. Blue and green are natural colors that represent plants and bodies of water. Birds you can attract to your yard with blue and green include starlings, bluebirds, goldfinches, and jays.
Consider planting hydrangea, bluebells, or flax flowers to add brilliant blue and green hues to your yard. You can paint a birdhouse or planters blue or green, attracting some species to your property when the season changes to fall, as these colors will stand out the most. Some insects are prey to birds, such as butterflies. Incorporating blue into your yard can indicate to birds that food and water sources are nearby.
4. Natural Colors
Some birds might not exhibit the same curiosity as others about bright and vibrant colors. Natural colors like gray, brown, and green attract dunnocks, quail, doves, thrushes, and robins. Species with a nervous temperament may prefer neutral colors as they provide a safe place to hide and camouflage themselves.
You can plant dogwood and birch trees, daisies, and various succulents to provide the earthy tones. Coniferous trees provide the perfect nesting spot for many bird species seeking shelter. You can also incorporate earth tones with artificial yard ornaments like stone walkways, accent stones, bird baths, fountains, or natural planters.
What Color Do Birds Avoid?
Birds tend to avoid white for various reasons. Bright-colored birds may stand out in their environment if there is a lot of white, making them vulnerable to predators or competition. In addition, white is often used as a signal in a defensive manner. Birds with white feathers will use them to communicate with other birds, either expressing submission or aggression.
Reflective objects and metallic colors are also bird deterrents. Colors such as gold, silver, or copper don’t indicate to birds that there are natural resources in the area or that the area can provide any protection. Consider outdoor furniture or tables with neutral colors and avoid moving and reflective objects, such as wind chimes, that can scare birds away.
Other Factors That Attract Birds
Color alone won’t bring the sounds of chirping birds to your yard. If you want to create a beautiful sanctuary for these melodic creatures, provide the following:
- Build nesting boxes to provide shelter for birds.
- Have water available all year round.
- Provide food for birds, such as filling bird feeders or growing plants that produce fruits.
- Avoid using insecticides and consider following organic practices.
- Remove invasive plants that deter birds.
Not only will you attract birds to your yard, but provide a space for pollinators such as bees and butterflies to thrive. So, sit back, dust off your binoculars, and enjoy the view.
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