Florida is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation! We are home to more than 700 terrestrial wildlife species and have the 3rd largest wild bird population in the US.

With close to 1,000 new Floridians moving here each day, habitat loss is the number one threat to wildlife. Small spaces can make a big impact! Creating backyard habitats that provides food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their young is a great way to support local wildlife.

Food: Planting Native Plants

Native plants are the primary source of food for wildlife! Planting a variety of native plants that provide nectar, seeds and berries can support birds, including hummingbirds. Baby birds rely on insects as their source of protein. Planting larval host plants for caterpillars to eat is another way to encourage birds to nest in your yard.

Tips:

• Select a variety of plants that bloom in different months to ensure something is in season all year round.
• Reduce or eliminate pesticide use to support pollinators and beneficial insects. After all, having insects in your yard is a sign of a healthy ecosystem! To learn more about butterfly gardening, check out this blog post: Butterfly Gardening Tips for Central Florida
• Don’t over prune Crapemyrtle trees; they provide a source of seed for birds in the winter! Check out this EDIS to learn more : ENH1138/EP399: Crapemyrtle Pruning
• View bird-friendly plant recommendations
• View hummingbird-friendly plant recommendations
• View butterfly-friendly plant recommendations

Bird feeders are also a great supplemental option to encourage visitors to your yard. Think of them as fast food; they can supplement but they don’t provide all that birds need to thrive. Birds don’t flock to new feeders immediately; it is important to be patient after installing a feeder. Make sure to clean your feeder at least once a week. Check out this blog post to learn more about different kinds of feeders and seeds: Backyard Bird Attractors: Feeders and Seed.

Sources of Water

Water is essential year-round for drinking, bathing, and even breeding. If you don’t live on a waterfront, there are still ways to support wildlife! Options include: birdbaths, Rain Gardens, or even shallow puddling areas for butterflies.

Selecting the right bird bath is important. It should be shallow (2–3 inches), gradual slope, and a rough bottom. It needs a nearby perching area and to be cleaned at least once a week. Moving water attracts more birds and deters mosquitos, you can install a small pump, mister, or solar fountain. To prevent mosquitos, you can add Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to the water; plus, it is safe for birds!

Provide Cover & Place to Raise Their Young

Cover provides safety and shelter for wildlife.

This includes protects from predators (especially cats), shields wildlife from heat, cold, and storms, and provides nesting and resting areas.

The best options to provide cover are planting evergreens that are flush year-round, planting dense shrubs, and plants of various heights. After doing yard work, consider leaving some “messy” areas with piles of twigs and debris. Brush piles shelter reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Plus, recycling yard waste is Florida Friendly Landscaping Principle #7! Dead trees, also called snags, support woodpeckers, cavity-nesting birds, and insects

If you are considering installing a bird house, check out Cornell’s webpage All About Birdhouses. Right Plant, Right Place is critical for our plants to thrive, and Right Bird, Right House is equally important to support wildlife! Bird houses should not have a perch, as it actually is an invitation for predators. Bird houses should have a sloped roof for rain to run off and drainage holes inside incase any rain seeps through. Installing a “baffle” or “guard” can help prevent unwanted invaders.

We can all play a part in supporting wildlife in our landscape!

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