A bird-friendly yard is more than a feeder and a patch of lawn. Birds use different habitat layers for feeding, nesting, hiding, singing, and resting. Learn how canopy trees, understory plants, shrubs, ground cover, leaf litter, and water can turn your backyard into a more useful and inviting bird sanctuary.

A bird feeder is only the beginning. Learn how to combine food, fresh water, shelter, nesting places and layered landscaping to create a backyard bird sanctuary that welcomes birds throughout the year.

Backyard birding sometimes brings tough questions. Should you stop a hawk at your feeder? What about neighborhood cats or aggressive birds chasing others away? Learn when to intervene with backyard birds—and when the best action is simply letting nature take its course.

Want to attract more birds than just seed-eaters? Discover how fruit, nectar, mealworms, peanuts, and suet can bring orioles, hummingbirds, bluebirds and more into your backyard.

Choosing the right bird seed can make the difference between attracting colorful songbirds—or feeding a crowd of seed-hogging bullies. Learn which seeds bring in cardinals, finches, woodpeckers and more.

Hummingbirds are among the most remarkable birds in North America. Some species migrate more than 2,000 miles each year—and many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds even cross the Gulf of Mexico in a nonstop flight. In this guide we explore hummingbird distribution across the United States, famous hummingbird hotspots like southeastern Arizona and south Texas, and how backyard feeders can help these tiny travelers refuel during their incredible journeys.

Specialty bird feeding goes beyond traditional seed to attract hummingbirds, orioles, and bluebirds. Learn what works, what to avoid, and why patience matters.

Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their lives are anything but delicate. From epic migrations and dizzying courtship dives to feeder squabbles and favorite flowers, here’s what their behavior teaches us — and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird haven.

Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their lives are anything but delicate. From epic migrations and dizzying courtship dives to feeder squabbles and favorite flowers, here’s what their behavior teaches us — and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird haven.