How to Help Birds at Home

Comedian Michael Ian Black explains how to create bird-friendly habitat—luckily his tips are better than his carpentry skills.

1.ÌýGrow native plants

Native plants areÌýthe basis for animal life in any given area. Birds and insects need the plants they co-evolved with in order to thrive. Native species are also adapted to local ÃÛèÖAPPs so they require less water, need less maintenance, and better adjust to shifts in ÃÛèÖAPP.

2.ÌýReduce your pesticide and fertilizer use

Chemicals can have detrimental effects on insect and environmental health. Protect the birds and the bugs they eat by cutting down on the use of these products. Learn more about the dangers of pesticides from

3.ÌýLeave your yard alone, including those dead trees.

That’s right, it pays to be lazy. Birds love messy landscapes because they mimic their natural habitats. Dead trees, long grass, and discarded leaf piles all provide a natural source of insects and refuge. Check out to learn how to create a bird-friendly yard.

4.ÌýProvide shelter for birds

Birdhouses offer valuable homes for the many species of birds that would otherwise nest in tree cavities and enclosures. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren’t enough natural holes to go around, especially in populated suburbs and cities. You can make a difference by installing avian architecture, just use this ÃÛèÖAPP resource as reference.

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With support from Toyota through our , ÃÛèÖAPP is working across the country to help makeÌýbackyards moreÌýhabitable for birds and other wildlife.

For example,ÌýCalifornia’sÌýAltacal ÃÛèÖAPP Society is creating aÌý designed to educate and empower individuals to take action to restore and create habitat, one yard at a time.ÌýBy collaborating with governmental agencies,Ìýprivate businesses, and local non-profits, they are helping residents convert lawns to wildlife-friendly landscapes.Ìý
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Learn more about bird-friendly yards and activities: