They may seem ultra-exotic and tropical, however fruit-eating birds do live in North America along the East Coast. In fact, while kayaking along the Delaware River in Philadelphia the other week, I had the incredible opportunity to watch a Baltimore Oriole creating a nest! Not all fruit-eaters are mango or papaya-loving tropical birds. Some are in our own backyards!
Many birds incorporate fruit into their diets. Here in PA, and in the surrounding region, we have birds that live here who will eat insects in the spring, then transition their diets to fruit and seeds in the summer season.
While this list isn’t a comprehensive one, it may give you a good idea of birds that you may see that will be searching for fruit and visiting your fruit-bearing wildlife habitat, gardens, and fruit-feeders!
Birds that Live Here Year-Round:
Birds that Migrate Through or Breed Here:
There are a ton of wonderful trees and flowers that produce fruits, seeds, and nuts that feed birds. Attract fruit-eating birds to your backyard this summer by adding some of the plants on this list, or search the database for plants in your area! This list includes some common natives that you may be able to find at local nurseries and greenhouses to add to your yard and community.
If you don’t have space to add these trees, shrubs, and flowers, consider setting up special bird feeders! Setting out fruits such as citruses, watermelon, peaches, and blackberries can be a real treat for birds flying by! Many of these fruits can even be turned into a feeder itself.
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