Deciduous trees and shrubs are critical for birds’ food, nesting, safety, and more. But exactly what are these types of plants and how do they support birds’ needs through the year? Furthermore, what can birders do to nurture deciduous plants to create better bird habitat?

Deciduous Definition

(adjective) Describes trees and shrubs that shed their leaves at the end of the growing period, often with brilliant color, followed by a period of dormancy through winter. These plants typically have woody stems and broad, flat leaves, though leaf size and number varies. Shedding leaves in winter or the dry season is a natural adaptation to conserve water and survive harsh weather, yet the woody trunks and branches remain intact and can still provide shelter to birds and wildlife.

There are thousands of deciduous tree and shrub species around the world in a broad range of ecosystems. These plants come in both hardwood and softwood species. Deciduous trees include maples, oaks, birches, aspens, apples, walnuts, redbuds, and elms. Deciduous shrubs include hydrangea, dogwood, sumac, spirea, and honeysuckle.

Because deciduous trees frequently bear flowers and fruit, they are a vital food source for many birds, not only from the fruit and nectar itself, but also through the insects the tree attracts for pollination that the birds can then feed on. After the leaves are shed, the leaf litter can also provide birds with everything necessary for survival: food, water, shelter and nesting materials.

Planting a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs can be a great part of healthier, more diverse birdscaping. Creating layers of plants will provide dense shelter birds can use, and minimizing pruning or using trimmed branches for a brush pile can ensure good shelter even when leaves are lost.

Pronunciation

diss-IHJ-you-iss – Rhymes with (kiss, miss, bliss)-(ridge, midge, bridge)-(too, stew, few, rue)-(kiss, miss, bliss)