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natives

The best Aussie natives to attract birds to your garden

Creating a bird-friendly garden is one of the best ways to support native wildlife while enjoying the sights and sounds of Australia’s incredible bird species. The key to attracting birds is planting the right native plants—ones that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites.

Whether you’re in a coastal region, arid zone, or cool-climate area, there are native plants that will bring more birds into your backyard.

Why native plants are best for birds

  • Provide a natural food source – Nectar, seeds, berries, and insects attract a variety of birds.
  • Create shelter & nesting sites – Dense foliage offers protection from predators.
  • Support biodiversity – Native plants encourage beneficial insects, which birds feed on.
  • Low maintenance – Once established, they thrive without much care or extra water.

Top native plants for attracting birdies

1. Grevilleas (Grevillea spp.)

Birds attracted: Honeyeaters, lorikeets, spinebills, and wattlebirds
Native to: Various regions across Australia
Soil type: Well-drained, sandy to loamy soils
Weather: Drought-tolerant, prefers full sun

Grevilleas are one of the best plants for attracting nectar-feeding birds, thanks to their vibrant, brush-like flowers that bloom year-round. They come in a variety of sizes, from ground covers to tall shrubs, making them versatile for any garden.

2. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)

Birds attracted: Rainbow lorikeets, honeyeaters, wattlebirds, and small insectivores
Native to: Eastern and southern Australia
Soil type: Tolerates sandy, clay, and loamy soils
Weather: Hardy in coastal and temperate areas, frost-resistant

Bottlebrush trees are instantly recognizable with their bright red, pink, or yellow flowers that resemble a brush. They’re rich in nectar, making them a favorite for parrots and honeyeaters. These trees also offer excellent nesting spots for small birds.

3. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)

Birds attracted: Eastern spinebills, honeyeaters, and smaller parrots
Native to: Western Australia
Soil type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Weather: Prefers dry climates but tolerates humidity in some hybrid varieties

Kangaroo paws have long, tubular flowers perfectly shaped for nectar-feeding birds. Their unique structure allows birds to perch while feeding, making them an excellent addition to a bird-attracting garden.

4. Banksias (Banksia spp.)

Birds attracted: Honeyeaters, black cockatoos, wattlebirds, and small parrots
Native to: Various species found across Australia, especially in coastal and forested areas
Soil type: Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil
Weather: Tolerant of drought, strong winds, and salty air

Banksias provide not only nectar but also nuts and seeds that attract large seed-eating birds like black cockatoos. Their flowers bloom in long cylindrical spikes and offer a continuous food source, especially in winter when food can be scarce.

5. Native Grasses (Themeda, Lomandra, Poa spp.)

Birds attracted: Finches, quails, wrens, and small insectivores
Native to: Different species across all Australian states
Soil type: Adaptable to a variety of soils, from sandy to clay
Weather: Tolerant of heat, drought, and frost

Native grasses are ideal for attracting small, ground-feeding birds like finches, which forage for seeds. They also provide excellent shelter for small birds and encourage insect life, a vital food source for many species.

6. Correas (Correa spp.)

Birds attracted: Eastern spinebills, honeyeaters, and small insect-eaters
Native to: Southeastern Australia, particularly Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia
Soil type: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Weather: Frost-tolerant and drought-resistant

Correas are small shrubs with bell-shaped flowers that bloom in autumn and winter, providing an important nectar source when other plants aren’t flowering. Their dense growth offers shelter and nesting sites for small birds.

7. Hakeas (Hakea spp.)

Birds attracted: Parrots, cockatoos, and honeyeaters
Native to: Various regions across Australia, particularly Western Australia
Soil type: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
Weather: Drought-tolerant and resilient to strong winds

Hakeas are great for attracting seed-eating birds like cockatoos, as they produce woody seed pods that birds love to crack open. They also provide thick shelter, protecting small birds from predators.

How to design a bird-friendly garden

Plant a variety of native species – A mix of shrubs, grasses, and trees will attract a greater range of birds.
Provide a water source – A shallow birdbath or natural pond encourages birds to visit.
Leave dead trees or logs where safe – These provide nesting sites and attract insects for birds to feed on.
Avoid pesticides and herbicides – These harm the insects that birds rely on for food.
Create layers in your garden – Different bird species prefer different heights, so include ground cover, mid-level shrubs, and taller trees.

By choosing native Australian plants, you can transform your garden into a haven for birds, helping to restore habitat and support local wildlife. Whether you’re in a coastal area, dry inland zone, or a suburban backyard, there are native plants suited to your environment that will bring honeyeaters, lorikeets, wrens, finches, and more to your garden.

The best bird-friendly garden is one that mimics nature—so let your plants grow, leave some wild areas, and enjoy the beauty of Australian birdlife right in your backyard!