Native Shrubs and Berries: A Lifeline for Migrating Birds
Each year, millions of birds migrate across North America, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. These journeys are physically demanding and increasingly dangerous as natural habitats disappear. One of the most critical resources migrating birds depend on is native shrubs that produce berries, as these plants provide food, shelter, and safety at exactly the right time.
Migration Requires Fuel and a Place to Rest
Migration pushes birds to their limits. Long flights deplete energy reserves, leaving birds vulnerable when they stop to rest. Successful migration depends on access to high energy food, dense cover for protection, and familiar habitat cues.
Native shrubs evolved alongside local bird species and meet all of these needs better than any non-native alternative.
Native Berries are Nature’s Perfect Energy Source
Native berry-producing shrubs function like natural fuel stations. Their fruits ripen in sync with migration windows and contain the fats, sugars, and nutrients birds require to replenish energy. Birds recognize these plants instinctively. When they encounter native shrubs, they know they’ve found a reliable place to feed and recover.
In contrast, many ornamental or invasive shrubs may look attractive but produce berries that offer little nutritional value or that birds can't digest properly, may fruit at the wrong time of year, and may fail to support native insects that birds also depend on.
More Than Food: Shelter and Safety
Native shrubs do more than feed birds, they protect them. Dense branching provides cover from predators, protection from wind and storms, and safe roosting sites during migration stopovers. During migration, even a single night of safe shelter can mean the difference between survival and exhaustion.
Native Plants Support Entire Food Webs
Migrating birds don’t rely on berries alone. Especially in spring, many species depend heavily on insects. Native shrubs support hundreds of species of caterpillars and insects, which non-native plants simply cannot match. By planting native shrubs, you’re supporting insects, birds, pollinators, and creating healthy, resilient ecosystems.
Small Landscapes Can Have a Big Impact
You don’t need a large property to help migrating birds. A backyard hedge, mixed shrub border, or even a few well-chosen native plants can become a critical stopover habitat. When native shrubs are planted across neighborhoods and communities, they form connected corridors that help birds safely navigate fragmented landscapes.
Valuable Native Shrubs for the Midwest & Northeast
Below are some of the most beneficial native shrub species for migrating birds in the Midwest and Northeast, chosen for their food value, timing, and ecological importance.
Top Berry-Producing Native Shrubs
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Early-season fruit, critical for spring migration - Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
High-fat berries favored by many songbirds - Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Exceptional fall fruiting shrubs with long-lasting berries - Chokeberry (Aronia spp.)
Late-season berries that persist into winter - Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Heavy fruit production; supports birds and pollinators - Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Bright red berries available well into winter (requires male and female plants) - Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Provides cover, nesting habitat, and insect support - Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Early fruiting and host plant for native butterflies - American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)
Nut production and dense cover for wildlife
Planting for the Future
As climate change and urban development continue to challenge migratory birds, native shrubs are one of the most effective tools we have to help. By choosing native plants, you’re restoring the habitats birds have relied on for generations and helping ensure their journeys can continue.
Native shrubs and berries don’t just beautify a landscape. They save energy, provide shelter, and sustain life.