Chestnut-Sided Warbler Identification

chestnut sided warbler, how to prevent window strikes
Male chestnut-sided warbler

A tiny, fast-moving warbler is always a challenge for birders to identify. Look for chestnut streaks on the bird’s sides to know for sure whether you’ve spotted a chestnut-sided warbler. Males have a bright yellow cap and black streaks over the eyes; wings have yellow accents.

Females have similar plumage to males, although diluted. They can lack the male’s chestnut accents, and streaks over the eyes appear grayish rather than bold black.

Female Chestnut-sided Warbler in Spring - Ontario, Canada
Female chestnut-sided warbler in Ontario, Canada

During nonbreeding season, males adopt a slightly different plumage. They lose their black eye streaks and gain a white ring around the eyes, and the chestnut sides take on a lighter, streaky quality.

For another clue to help identify these warblers, watch their tails.

“One of the fun things about them, which I learned in Costa Rica, is that of all warblers, they hold their tails up the most,” says Dr. Kevin J. McGowan, senior course developer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. “You’re so used to the yellow crown and the chestnut sides, and the female being that yellowish green, but if you think about it—yeah, they do. They keep their tail up more than other warblers do, for sure.”

Learn how to identify and attract a yellow-rumped warbler.

Range and Habitat

chestnut-sided warbler
Look for a small bird with a yellow cap, black eye streaks and brown sides.

As is the case with many warblers, the chestnut-sided warbler flies through much of the eastern half of the United States during its spring and fall migration journeys. It spends the breeding season in the northern United States and Canada (with a section of its range extending through West Virginia).

Chestnut-sided warblers usually stay in new-growth forests recovering from damage of some kind (logging, fire, or storms). When a habitat becomes too “grown over,” they’ll move on to another regenerating habitat.

“They’re in second-growth, so not mature forests,” Kevin says. “When you get into a solid, closed-canopy forest, they drop out. They do tend to be in more open areas, which does make them easier to spot.”

Discover fascinating facts about warblers that will make you love them even more.

What Does a Chestnut-Sided Warbler Eat?

chestnut sided warbler
These bug-eating birds do not visit backyard feeders.

Chestnut-sided warblers eat a typical warbler diet: which is to say, they mostly eat bugs. They’ll dine on caterpillars and fly larvae, as well as moths, beetles, and other flying insects that they dart out to catch in midair. They’ll also find bugs on the undersides of leaves as they hop through shrubs and trees.

Because they don’t eat seed, it’s unlikely one would visit a feeder; however, it might stop by a bird bath.

These pictures of warblers will make you want to go birding.

Nest and Eggs

09 Jimknox Bbxjuly19
Juvenile chestnut-sided warbler

Females build a cup-style nest low to the ground, in shrubs or deciduous trees. They typically lay four eggs, although they can lay as few as three or as many as five, and they’ll have up to two broods per season.

The female incubates the eggs for about a week and a half, and after another week and a half after hatching, the young are ready to leave the nest.

Here’s how to attract prothonotary warblers to your birdhouses.

Chestnut-Sided Warbler Song

chestnut-sided warbler
Chestnut-sided warbler singing

Some birders describe the lyrics of this eastern migrant’s song as pleased to meetcha.

Next, learn all about black-and-white warblers.

About the Expert

Lifelong birder and ornithologist Dr. Kevin McGowan is a senior course developer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. He earned a Ph.D in biology at the University of South Florida.

Sources

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

What Does a Wilson’s Warbler Look Like?

wilson's warbler
A male Wilson’s warbler is a small yellow bird with a small black cap on its head.

In a sea of small, fast-moving and tricky-to-identify warblers, the Wilson’s warbler is easy to remember. With its lemon-yellow body and a distinctive black cap, it sticks in the memory. Its cap, in fact, has led birders to remember it by saying, “Wilson wears a hat.”

That saying works for male Wilson’s warblers, but it doesn’t apply so well to females. Female Wilson’s warblers follow the same general color scheme as males, but they lack that bold black cap, instead replacing it with olive plumage. Worth noting is that some females do have some black feathers atop the head.

Interestingly, the Wilson’s warbler used to be known by a different name. Now that bird species named after people are being re-named, it’s possible it might return to the original name.

“Pileated warbler, it was called at one point,” says Dr. Kevin McGowan, senior course developer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. If that makes you think of a huge pileated woodpecker, it might seem an odd name choice for a tiny warbler…but consider the pattern of these birds’ plumage. “[The warbler was called ‘pileated’] because ‘pileated’ refers to the top of the head, and it has a cap,” Kevin says.

Discover more fascianting facts about warblers.

Wilson’s Warbler Range and Habitat

251188523 1 Jennifer Metzenbauer Bnb Bypc2020
Look for the Wilson’s warbler during spring migration.

If you live anywhere within the United States, you have a good chance at spotting a Wilson’s warbler. They pass through the entirety of the country during fall and spring migration. They stick around along the California coast, the Pacific Northwest, and in Canada for all of breeding season.

“The Wilson’s warbler is interesting because it occurs all over the United States, but it’s a more common bird in the West,” says Kevin. “It’s relatively uncommon in the East, depending on where you are. They like wet shrub thickets, but they can be found just about anywhere, especially during migration.”

wilson's warbler
This type of warbler is easy to identify, delighting birders.

Look for them in shrubby areas near streams in mid- to late spring. Typically, the Wilson’s is one of the last migrating warblers to arrive. As a definite perk for birders, the Wilson’s tends to be found closer to the ground than other warblers, who can often require much uncomfortable neck-craning to spot.

These amazing pictures of warblers will make you want to go birding.

Diet: What Does a Wilson’s Warbler Eat?

254081872 1 Loni Broesch Bypc2020
These insect-eating birds do not visit backyard bird feeders.

As a warbler, it’s unsurprising to hear the Wilson’s dines on insects. Snatching spiders, caterpillars, and beetles in brush, they’re also talented fliers and will grab flies, bees, and other insects in the air.

Learn more about what warblers eat and how to attract them.

Nesting Habits

Wilson's Warbler Female in William Harvey Bay, Alaska
Female Wilson’s warbler

Female Wilson’s warblers are ground-nesting birds. They’ll construct their nest in a concealed location and might even wedge it between branches in shrubs to keep it in place. Raising up to two broods per season consisting of two to seven chicks, these baby birds will remain in the nest for a week and a half before leaving the nest.

Learn how to identify a yellow warbler.

Wilson’s Warbler Song

This species has a short, simple song with repeating notes, pausing before singing again. Unlike most other warblers, females also occasionally sing.

Bird songs courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology 

About the Expert

Lifelong birder and ornithologist Dr. Kevin McGowan is a senior course developer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. He earned a Ph.D in biology at the University of South Florida.

Sources

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Native Bees: What Gardeners Need to Know

bumblebee
All bees are being threatened right now, including honey bees and native bees, but you can help.

In the world of bees, honey bees get a lot of attention and right now, massive numbers of honey bees are disappearing. This phenomenon, known as colony collapse disorder, threatens both beekeeping operations and the pollination of crops and natural landscapes.

Although colony collapse doesn’t impact native bees (honey bees originated in Europe), the possible causes behind colony collapse, like pesticide use, habitat loss and disease, easily could. Native bee populations are seeing declines, though not as widely documented as those of honeybees, says Mace Vaughan, co-director of the Pollinator Conservation Program of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Among native bumblebees, 30 percent of species have experienced significant drop-offs that could lead to extinction. Concern about colony collapse has brought attention to the critical pollination role of all bees and their plight, and also spotlighted what people can do to help bees, says David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation.

To create a yard that’s safe and attractive to native bees, it’s important to understand these pollinators first.

Native Bees Hide in Plain Sight

How to Help Native Bees in Your Backyard | Birds & Blooms
We rely on bees to pollinate flowers like this one. Remember, they pollinate all of our food that grows, too. We need bees!

Native bees can look different from how we often visualize these flying insects. “Most of the things we learn about bees as kids aren’t true about native bees,” David says.

They exist in an array of colors, including metallic green, brown, black and gray, as well as the stereotypical yellow-and-black stripes. Native bees can be quite small and are often mistaken for flies.

It’s also useful to note that native bees tend to be docile. “Many can’t sting humans,” says Heather Holm, the author of Pollinators of Native Plants. “Their stingers can’t even pierce our skin.”

Learn how to help bees and pollinators in 10 easy ways.

Native Bees Nest in the Ground

native bees on anise hyssop
Anise hyssop 

Most solitary bee species nest in the ground; the rest use tunnels like hollow stems or burrow into dead wood. Inside these nesting sites, the female bee creates a pollen loaf, lays a single egg on it, then starts a new nesting site and repeats the process.

To create a safe habitat for this type of nesting, it’s essential to have areas of undisturbed and loose ground. Bees tend to select south-facing slopes with well-drained soil, which can be warmer and drier, and make for good nesting sites. Heather suggests forgoing mulch in spots where you’d like to see bees nest. “Many of the bees are small and can’t get through a layer of mulch,” she says.

When cutting back your plants in fall, leave behind foot-long lengths of pithy or hollow stems for the tunnel nesters; cavity-nesting bees will also use those stems the next year. You can also create natural bee houses by bundling together hollow stems and hanging them in the yard. Fallen wood, brush piles or old fence posts also provide good nesting sites.

Learn what to do if you see a bald-faced hornet nest.

Native Bees Are Really Busy— Help Them Out

Solitary Bee
Solitary bee

Most female native bees are active as adults for two to six weeks. During that time, they are collecting pollen to create as many loaves and lay as many eggs as possible. To make foraging for pollen less arduous, provide a diverse selection of flowers from spring to fall and plant them in groups.

New generations and different species of bees are emerging throughout the growing season and it’s essential that they have enough flowers for pollen collection. Heather advises gardeners identify flowering gaps during the growing season and add plants to the yard accordingly. “Bees need that continuous succession of plants flowering,” she says. If possible, plant flowers in masses about three feet across.

“As bees are flying across a landscape, a cluster of flowers has a billboard effect,” Mace says. “It’s also efficient, allowing bees to visit many flowers rapidly.”

Meet 7 beneficial garden bees you want in your backyard.

Native Flowers Are Best for Native Bees

native bees, bee balm monarda
Bee balm blooms attract many pollinators

The relationship between bees and flowers is symbiotic—bees need the flowers for nectar and pollen, and flowers need the bees for pollination. A flower might be specialized to allow pollination only from certain species of bees, or its structure might help assure proper pollination, Heather says.

For instance: If nectar is deep in a flower, a bee will have to push its way into the flower to get at it. For a large, strong bee, like a bumblebee, this is an easy task and the flower deposits pollen on the bee in the process. A smaller bee might not be able to get to the nectar and will seek another flower.

Bring in a hybridized flower, like a cultivar that will display double blooms or a different color, and who knows what effect that change might have on its pollen or nectar. “When we select cultivars of native plants, we don’t know how that is affecting other attributes of the flowers that are important to pollinators and wildlife,” David says.

In the name of attracting bees, it’s best to choose heirloom plants or those bred as little as possible. For ideas, stroll through your local garden center and see what plants are covered with bees, Mace says. Some of the flowers he recommends are:

But depending on the conditions in your yard, there are hundreds of plants that will work. (Find plant lists for different regions at xerces.org.) “The point is that everybody can do something for the bees and everybody can have something pretty,” Mace says. “Plant the right flowers and avoid pesticides. Do that and you’ll be rewarded.”

Discover a new appreciation for wasps: pollinators and pest control.

Bee Garden Basics

low maintenance perennials
Fragrant Palmer’s penstemon attracts bumblebees

When gardening for bees, here are a few general rules of thumb:

  • Choose a range of flower shapes and colors to attract the most bee species. Bumblebees can easily collect pollen from complex flowers, while smaller bees appreciate simple flower shapes and a flat place to land.
  • Plant season-long blooms to support bees from early spring until fall.
  • Provide areas of undisturbed ground or vegetation for nesting sites.
  • Bees and flowers have evolved in tandem, so choose non-hybrid natives.
  • Plant in masses for efficient pollen collection. Sunny areas are most attractive.
  • Avoid pesticide use. Even some organic mixtures can harm insects.
  • Provide a muddy area or shallow trough for water.

About the Experts

Mace Vaughan has lead the the Pollinator Conservation Program of the Xerces Society since 2003. He earned degrees in entomology, teaching, and natural resources management from Cornell University, and has written many articles and publications on native insect conservation.

David Mizejewski is a naturalist and TV host with the National Wildlife Federation. He earned degree in human and natural ecology from Emory University and is an expert on wildlife conservation.

Heather Holm is an award-winning author of Pollinators of Native Plants; Wasps, a Guide for Eastern North America; and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States. She has been featured in the New York Times and is dedicated to pollinator conservation.

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

What Does an American Redstart Look Like?

american redstart
Male American redstart

Bright yellow plumage is common among warblers, but the vibrant American redstart is distinctive. Males are mostly black, but bright orange patches on their sides, wings and tails help them stand out from leafy foliage.

Females have a more muted color scheme—their gray heads and dark wings are less eye-catching than the colors of their mate. Females have a patch of yellow on their sides, and a muddy yellow coloring extends to their tail and wings.

American redstart female
Female American redstart

Redstarts are among the most active warblers. As a notable behavioral quirk, they tend to fan out their tails as they move, which makes them easy to identify. “Theoretically, they do that to flush insects out so they can catch them in flight,” explains Dr. Kevin McGowan, senior course developer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. “They do a lot of fly-catching, so they’re trying to frighten the insects that are hiding into revealing themselves by flying away.”

Discover more fascinating facts about warblers.

American Redstart Habitat and Range

American Redstart (setophaga Ruticilla)
Look for American redstarts in forests as they migrate north.

If you’re birding in spring on the edges of eastern forests, be sure to look for redstarts. While they migrate through much of the United States (with the exception of California), they remain for breeding season in the Midwest, Northeast, and a few Southern states such as Alabama and Louisiana.

Redstarts, like many warblers, prefer a forest habitat. In some sections of their range, birders can find them in woods along rivers or even in orchards.

Learn how to identify yellow-rumped warblers.

American Redstart Diet

american redstart
A male American redstart drinks from a bird bath.

Like most warblers, redstarts usually aren’t interested in bird feeders. Primarily eating bugs, they’re known to dine on flies, moths, beetles, and other insects. They’ll also eat berries from time to time, especially barberry, serviceberry, and magnolia. Unlike common songbirds, they don’t eat seed—but you might be able to attract warblers into your yard with a bird bath.

Yellow warbler vs goldfinch: learn how to tell the difference.

Nest and Eggs

juvenile american redstart
A juvenile looks similar to a female

After constructing a nest, a female redstart lays a clutch of one to five eggs. She incubates the eggs for up to two weeks, and young birds remain in the nest for up to two weeks more. The male and female both take part in feeding the fledglings.

“The first-year males look like females,” Kevin says. “When they come back in the spring, they will sing and try to attract a mate, and it looks like a female that’s singing, but it’s actually a male. They get adult plumage the second year.”

Attract a prothonotary warbler with a birdhouse

American Redstart Song

250968555 1 Martin Torres Bnb Bypc2020
You might hear a redstart before you spot one.

This warbler’s high-pitched, variable song often ends in a sharp shew. Some birders compare the sound to a sneeze.

Bird songs courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Want to learn more about warblers? Meet the magnolia warbler and black-and-white warbler.

About the Expert

Lifelong birder and ornithologist Dr. Kevin McGowan is a senior course developer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. He earned a Ph.D in biology at the University of South Florida.

Sources

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

What Do Snails Eat?

gardening problems with snails at lunch on hostas
Snails eating hosta leaves

Snails aren’t too picky when it comes to their meals. They’ll eat pretty much whatever they can find, from plant matter to animal waste (and, in some cases, even other snails).

Like learning about snail facts? You’ll love learning facts about fireflies, too.

Do Snails Have Teeth?

Snails do have teeth—a whole lot of them. Through a structure called a “radula” in their mouths, snails pry off pieces of what they’re eating and further break it down. The radula features up to 12,000 teeth, which is… a whole lot. Not keen on those teeth being used on your garden? Here’s how to get rid of slugs and snails.

How Long Do Snails Sleep?

Snails do sleep, but they do so quite a bit differently from humans. A typical snail sleep cycle lasts a few days (usually 2 to 4). After that, a snail can stay awake for longer than a full day. Snails are nocturnal, meaning they typically come out at night, just like moths. In some instances, snails have slept for years!

Is a Snail an Insect?

It might be tempting to categorize a snail as an insect, what with the antennae and all. But snails aren’t part of the same family as the bugs in your yard. Instead, they’re mollusks, a group that also includes slugs, octopi, and squid.

Are Snails Born With Their Shells?

Garden Snail crawling on brown stone.
Garden snail crawling on a stone

One of the greatest snail mysteries is its shell. Where does it come from? You might be surprised to learn that snails never “switch” shells, and they rarely (if ever) leave them. Snails are born with their shells. As the snail grows, the shell grows too. The snail shell is an integral part of the creature and essential for its survival. Without it, the snail risks drying out. Snails can even repair damage to them!

Difference Between Slugs vs Snails

While they’re part of the same family and are both part of the gastropod class, slugs and snails are not technically the same. Beyond the obvious (one has a shell, one doesn’t), slugs can be found in different habitats as a result of their differently shaped bodies.

How Fast Do Snails Move?

how to get rid of slugs and snails
A snail slinks along the edge of a terra cotta pot.

If you wanted to race a snail, you wouldn’t have a hard time winning. Not known for their speediness, snails move at a pace of just over three feet, or one meter, in an hour.

What Does “Snail Mail” Mean?

It’s not abundantly clear who first said the term “snail mail,” but we do know why it joined the popular lexicon. As email rose as a popular form of communication, a term was needed to distinguish electronic mail from physical mail, and thus, “snail mail” was coined.

After you’re done looking at snail facts, check out extraordinary facts about bird eggs.

Sources

  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
  • BBC Science Focus
  • University of Florida Pest Control Guides
  • Smithsonian Magazine
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary
  • Britannica
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Cardinal Flower Pollinator Benefits

cardinal flower
Peak bloom time is July to September—just when hummingbirds are on the hunt for late summer nourishment.

Looking for an interesting North American native plant with striking color that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds? Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) might be the answer, though it doesn’t work for every location. If you can provide good wet soil and a little afternoon shade, though, the spikes of cardinal flower will reward you with visits from plenty of pollinators.

Eye-catching stalks of vibrant scarlet, white or rose flowers pop in a summer garden from July to September. Deer and rabbits usually avoid the plant. It adds height to edges and thrives in moist, challenging growing conditions like rain gardens, along ponds and in wet meadows.

Check out the best red flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Cardinal Flower Care and Growing Tips

swallowtail on cardinal flower
Pipevine swallowtail on cardinal flower
  • Scientific name: Lobelia cardinalis
  • Growing zones: 3 to 9
  • Attracts: Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees
  • Light needs: Prefers partial shade; place it in a spot with morning sun and moist soil
  • Size: Shoots 2 to 4 feet high, spreads up to 2 feet wide
  • Grown for: Nectar-packed, showy blooms hummingbirds love
  • Foliage: Tall stalks with long, thin, dark-green leaves
  • Cultivars to try: Pink Flamingo is a dazzling pink flowering beauty; sun-loving Queen Victoria adds drama with scarlet blooms and dark foliage

Cardinal flower is native to the eastern United States, where it grows in wet woodlands. The flower spikes can reach 4 feet tall. It will re-bloom throughout the summer, especially when spent spikes are trimmed back to encourage new growth. These vibrant blooms add eye-popping color to your shady areas.

The plant does need consistently moist or wet soil to thrive, so if you have a soggy spot in the yard, or are looking to grow something along the edge of a backyard pond, this is a great solution. Surround it with mulch to retain moisture during summer and protect its root system during cold northern winters.

Did you know: This plant is named for the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals, not the popular redbirds in your backyard.

Is Cardinal Flower a Perennial?

hummingbird cardinal flower
The red blooms will catch the attention of ruby-throats and other hummingbirds.

Cardinal flower is a short-lived perennial in the bellflower family. It spreads by basal rosettes at the base of the plant, which can be divided every few years, and also by seed.

Psst—these are the best perennials to grow for hummingbirds.

Great Blue Lobelia

great blue lobelia
Monarch butterfly on great blue lobelia

Great blue lobelia is cardinal flower’s blue counterpart (Lobelia siphilitica, Zones 4 to 9). The two are very eye-catching when planted together. Great blue lobelia prefers a bit more sun but still requires moist soil. If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, though, red cardinal flower is your best bet.

Sources

  • National Gardening Association — Pink Flamingo
  • National Gardening Association — Queen Victoria
  • American Meadows – Cardinal flower
  • North Carolina Cooperative Extension — Great blue lobelia
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension — Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Liatris Care and Growing Tips

blazing star liatris gayfeather
Liatris is known for tall, fuzzy purple flowers
  • Common names: blazing star, gayfeather
  • Scientific name: Liatris spp.
  • Zones 3 to 8
  • Attracts: birds, butterflies, bees
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Size: 2 to 5 feet tall
  • Grown for: Butterfly gardens, borders, cottage gardens and meadows
  • Foliage: Lance-shaped leaves
  • Cultivars to try: Alba tends to grow a little shorter than other liatris and has white flowers. For a smaller plant with purple blooms, grow Kobold Original.

Blazing star (Liatris spp.) is part of the Aster family (Asteraceae). The plant is a beacon to butterflies and hummingbirds. Purple flowers bloom in late summer or early fall, depending on the species, and last for a month or two. Liatris can be planted in poor soil, but needs plenty of sun. Many species are native to the eastern U.S.

Liatris Species to Grow

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Monarch butterflies feeding on meadow blazing star

The 50 or species of this genus are all native to North America. The most common species you’ll find in cultivation is Liatris spicata, sometimes known as dense blazing star or gayfeather. There are multiple cultivars available, including some with pink and white flowers. Dwarf varieties like Kobold are good for smaller gardens, measuring around 2 feet tall.

L. spicata is suited to zones 3 to 8, and requires regular water to flower best. It can be difficult to grow in the Deep South due to its intolerance of high heat and humidity. Fortunately, there are other blazing star species available for a wide range of growing conditions. Your best bet is to seek out the species that are native to your area.

Try prairie blazing star (L. pycnostachya) for radiant rosy purple flowers in zones 3 to 9. It will reseed readily. Tall and spindly meadow blazing star (L. ligulistylis) is a monarch butterfly favorite with showy, long-lasting flowers that appear in late summer.

When to Plant Liatris

hummingbird clearwing moth on liatris
Hummingbird clearwing moth on liatris 

Liatris is somewhat difficult to grow from seed. You can buy potted plants or corms (similar to bulbs) and plant them in the spring for blooms in late summer and fall.

Birds & Blooms reader Barbara Giese  of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, asks, “Is September too late in the year to plant liatris corms?”

Gardening expert Melinda Myers says, “It’s best to plant liatris corms in spring or early summer. You could either store them for winter or try planting them this fall with other spring-flowering bulbs. If you decide to plant them in fall, wait for the soil to cool so the corms do not sprout this year.”

Liatris Wildlife Benefits

goldfinch on liatris
American goldfinch perched on liatris

The beautiful purple spikes of blazing star add color and interest to any butterfly garden, with stacks of small fuzzy flowers that are full of nectar. This bloom draws butterflies and other pollinators in droves. It’s a magnet for monarchs and tiger swallowtails, and also attractive to silver-spotted skippers, red admirals, painted ladies and sulphurs. Hummingbirds are known to swing by for a drink of nectar, too.

After the flowers fade and dry, liatris still attracts wildlife and provides winter interest. Songbirds hover around the fluffy seed heads, picking away at the seeds.

Check out the top 10 purple flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Where to Plant Liatris

swallowtail butterfly on blazing star flower
Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly on blazing star blooms

Blazing star is a natural choice for a butterfly garden. Plant tall varieties along the back of beds or in the center for interest. Plan to provide some support in more formal garden settings. The stems have a tendency to fall over, especially after heavy rains. Most gardeners report that liatris is generally deer-resistant. Dwarf varieties make excellent cutting garden flowers.

Next, check out the best host plants for butterflies.

Sources

About the Expert

Melinda Myers is the official gardening expert for Birds & Blooms. She is a TV/radio host, author and columnist who has written more than 20 gardening books. Melinda earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

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Red-bellied woodpecker chick looks out from a tree cavity nest

For parent birds, raising a nest full of babies can be a risky project. With predators around every corner, many parents hide their nests among dense foliage or in tall grass for protection. Another approach is to put it inside a tree. This cavity nesting strategy is practiced by all kinds of birds, including some that you can attract to your backyard.

Learn about 9 different types of bird nests and how to spot them.

New Cavity Nest Builders

cavity nesting birds, red headed woodpeckers
Red-headed woodpeckers drill into trees to make new nest cavities

Left alone, a mature tree may develop natural cavities in spots where branches have fallen off or large limbs have decayed from within. But some birds don’t wait around for these cavities to develop—they make their own. Members of the woodpecker family are expert homebuilders. They usually excavate their own nest holes, choosing spots in dead trees or limbs.

They’re quite industrious about it, too. Typically, a pair of woodpeckers will dig a new nest hole for each new brood that they raise. In fall, they also dig holes to roost in during winter. Because they tend to keep excavating new holes instead of reusing old ones, they leave behind ready-made nest sites for many other birds.

Learn all about woodpecker nests and eggs.

Fixer-Upper Cavity Nesters

tufted titmouse cavity-nesting birds
Tufted titmouse collecting nest material

Most birds don’t have the chisel-shaped bills of woodpeckers, so they aren’t so well-equipped for excavating in dead wood. But some cavity nesters are willing to enlarge or modify existing small holes, and sometimes create their own.

Chickadees, with their tiny bills, don’t look as if they could create their own nest cavities, but they often do, enlarging a small knothole or digging a complete hole in soft, decaying wood. Nuthatches may modify existing holes or dig new ones. The oak titmouse on the West Coast will alter holes to suit its needs, but its eastern cousin, the tufted titmouse, seems to simply use holes as it finds them.

Psst—here’s everything you need to know about hummingbird nests.

Cavity Nesters That Use Birdhouses

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Eastern bluebird pair in a birdhouse

A standard birdhouse, or nest box, simply is an artificial version of a natural tree cavity. Several popular birds have adapted to nest boxes, giving backyard birders abundant opportunities for up-close views. Bluebirds are found all across the continent, and all three species—eastern, western and mountain—raise their young either in natural cavities or in nest boxes. The bluebird’s popularity has been a bonanza for the tree swallow, another cavity nester, which uses holes of the same size.

Learn how to make a DIY bluebird house.

The purple martin is another classic birdhouse species in eastern North America. Practically all martins east of the Rockies now nest in multiroomed martin houses, sometimes with dozens of pairs in the same structure. In the West, some martins still nest in the traditional way, in cavities in dead trees—or, in the Arizona desert, in holes in giant cactus.

Wrens: The Flexible Cavity Nesting Birds

Bnbbyc18 Norma Davis
This wren built its nest in a pocket

Wrens are mostly shades of brown and gray, but they make up for their lack of bright colors with high-energy personalities and musical songs. Five species—about half our wrens—are cavity nesters. The house wren is widespread from coast to coast, while the Bewick’s wren lives mainly in the West, and the Carolina wren is most common in the Southeast. The tiny winter wren nests in the Northwoods, while its close relative, the Pacific wren, resides in the Far West.

These birds loosely define a “cavity” for nesting. They will nest in standard tree holes or nest boxes, but they also use crevices in buildings, hollows among the roots of fallen trees, old flowerpots in sheds—just about any enclosed space. House wrens have even been found building nests in the pockets of trousers hanging on clotheslines!

Can you move a bird nest near your home?

Surprising Cavity Nesting Birds

prothonotary warbler peers out of birdhouse
Prothonotary warbler peers out of birdhouse

Several other types of birds are also among the cavity nesting crew. Various kinds of owls nest in cavities, including little screech-owls, which may lurk unnoticed in holes even in suburban backyards. The American kestrel, a colorful little falcon, uses tree holes or nest boxes in open country. Flashy wood ducks adopt tree hollows or nest boxes close to the water; hooded mergansers, common goldeneyes and buffleheads are among the other cavity-nesting waterfowl.

Those are all fairly large birds, but our last two examples are tiny. Of the 55 species of warblers in North America, only two nest in cavities: Lucy’s warbler, a pale gray bird of southwestern deserts, and the prothonotary warbler, a brilliant golden sprite of southeastern swamps. They remind us that nature is full of surprises. They also remind us that, regardless of what your dentist might say, cavities can be good things!

Learn how to attract owls to nest in your backyard.

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Types of Wild Parakeets and Parrots in the U.S.

Red Crowned Amazon wild parakeet and parrot
Look for red-crowned Amazon parrots in the wild.

Monk parakeets, red-crowned Amazon parrots and Nanday parakeets are the three most common wild parakeets and parrots in the U.S. None of these is a native North American bird species. Over the years, however, their populations adapted to survive in many cities. Pigeons did a similar thing by learning how to survive in urban environments.

In most cases, these wild parakeet and parrot populations likely started as a result of escaped birds meant for the pet trade.

If you enjoy facts about wild parakeets and parrots, you’ll love learning fascinating facts about wild turkeys.

Where Do Wild Parakeets and Parrots Live?

Monk Parakeet
Monk parakeets are sometimes spotted in urban areas.

Most of the 25 types of wild parrots that have bred in the United States live in California, Florida and Texas. Red-crowned Amazons only have a population in southern Texas.

wild parrots, nanday parakeet
Nanday parakeet perched on a sunflower 

Wild Nanday parakeets live generally in the Southwest and Florida. You can find parrots farther north, too. Keep an eye out for wild monk parakeets in many major U.S. cities such as Chicago, New York, and Portland, Oregon.

Meet the gorgeous green jay, a tropical wonder.

Wild Parrot Sightings by the Numbers

monk parakeet
Monk parakeets are the most common wild parrot seen by northern birders.

The monk parakeet is the most common wild parrot that makes its home in the northern U.S. Through the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count and Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird, 42,981 sightings were logged between 2002 and 2016.

Birders with eBird and Christmas Bird Count have spotted wild parakeets and parrots in 43 states in recent years, usually in parklands or suburban habitats. These birds mostly live in populated areas.

Meet 8 types of orioles to look for across America.

Are There Any Native Wild Parrots in North America?

Close-up portrait of a thick billed parrot
Thick-billed parrots live in Mexico

Sadly, you won’t find North America’s only two native parrots in the U.S today. The Carolina parakeet went extinct in the 1920s. The thick-billed parrot no longer visits the Southwest, but still resides in Mexico. In recent years, 56 nonnative parrot species were reported in the wild in the States.

Sources

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.