Garden for Birds

Want to see more birds at home? This guide shares simple steps to help you create a garden that attracts native birds using local plants, layered vegetation, and water. It's a great way to support wildlife and enjoy more birdwatching right outside your window.

Start with Plant Spotto

Walk around your neighbourhood and get to know the plants growing nearby. You'll likely spot three types:

  • Indigenous – plants that are native to your local area

  • Native – Australian plants, but not necessarily local

  • Introduced – plants from overseas

Focus on Indigenous plants. They’ve evolved alongside local bird species and are the best food and habitat source for them. You can learn more by:

  • Visiting your local nursery or library

  • Asking about books on local Indigenous plants

  • Using a free app like Google Lens to identify plants with your phone

Then try Bird Spotto

Spend time observing the birds in your area:

  • Do they prefer hiding or sitting out in the open?

  • Are they high in the trees or closer to the ground?

  • What are they eating?

To attract birds, there needs to be a source population nearby. These are birds already living in your local area. The more you understand their habits, the better you can design your garden to suit them.

For example, you might notice that local honeyeaters, like the Eastern Spinebill, are enjoying nectar-rich plants in local gardens.

Planting for birds

Indigenous Plants

These are the best choice for local birds. They provide natural food and shelter and often need less water and care. Many areas have Indigenous nurseries with knowledgeable staff and affordable tube stock. They can help you:

  • Choose suitable plants

  • Decide where to plant them

  • Learn how to care for them

Native and Introduced Plants

While Indigenous species are ideal, you could mix in some native and introduced plants to add variety. Tips:

  • Use layers – ground cover, shrubs, and trees

  • Include nectar-rich plants – grevilleas, banksias, bottlebrush

  • Add dense, spiky shrubs – great for protection and nesting

  • Leave mulch and leaf litter – helps small birds find insects and shelter

Provide water

Water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to attract birds to your garden, especially in hot weather. You can use a bird bath, ceramic bowl, or even a plastic pot tray.

Tips for water success:

  • Use a shallow container

  • Add a stick or branch as a perch or exit ramp

  • Place it on the ground or on a stand

  • Keep it near dense shrubs for quick escape routes

  • Clean it regularly to prevent algae

  • Top it up often — birds will return once they know it’s reliable

Avoid pesticides

Skip the harsh chemicals. Natural pest control options are better for birds, insects, and the health of your whole garden. Birds rely on many of the insects that pesticides can harm, especially when feeding their young.

Podcast episodes

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