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Trees That Attract Birds in India

Discover the best bird attracting trees in India. Learn which native trees provide food and shelter to birds and how to make your garden bird friendly.

golden fronted leafbird
golden fronted leafbird on flower

Why Trees Are Important for Birds

Trees are lifelines for birds. They provide:

  • Food: Nectar, fruits, seeds, and insects.

  • Shelter: Nesting spots and protection from predators.

  • Breeding Habitat: Many species rely on specific trees for breeding.

  • Perching Spots: Trees offer vantage points for birds to survey territory or spot prey.

In urban areas where green cover is rapidly shrinking, planting bird-friendly trees can play a crucial role in sustaining avian populations.

Best Trees to Attract Birds in India

Let’s explore some excellent choices for bird-attracting trees that thrive in diverse Indian climates.

1. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Attracts: Mynas, babblers, doves, koels, and various insects which in turn attract insectivorous birds.

Neem is a hardy, drought-resistant tree native to India. Its small white flowers attract insects, which draw in insect-eating birds. Its dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting spaces.

Benefits:

  • Medicinal properties.

  • Air purification.

  • Requires minimal care once established.

2. Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata)

Attracts: Sunbirds, bulbuls, mynas, barbets.

This beautiful tree bursts into brilliant red blooms during the dry season when other trees are bare, offering critical nectar for birds like sunbirds. The Indian Coral Tree also provides perching and nesting sites.

Benefits:

  • Ornamental beauty.

  • Soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation.

3. Peepal (Ficus religiosa)

Attracts: Parakeets, barbets, mynas, pigeons.

A sacred tree in India, the Peepal produces small figs that are a delicacy for many birds. Its wide canopy offers ample shelter and nesting areas.

Benefits:

  • Significant cultural and spiritual value.

  • Excellent for urban biodiversity.

4. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

Attracts: Parakeets, hornbills, mynas, pigeons, fruit bats.

The national tree of India, the Banyan offers figs throughout the year. Its massive branches and aerial roots create habitats for countless birds and other wildlife.

Benefits:

  • Supports complex ecosystems.

  • Provides shade and cooling effect.

5. Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula)

Attracts: Sunbirds, mynas, bees, butterflies.

Also known as the Golden Shower Tree, it produces stunning yellow flower clusters that attract nectar-loving birds and pollinators.

Benefits:

  • Highly ornamental.

  • Drought tolerant once established.

6. Jamun (Syzygium cumini)

Attracts: Parakeets, barbets, bulbuls, mynas.

Jamun trees produce delicious purple fruits loved by both people and birds. The tree is evergreen and offers year-round shelter.

Benefits:

  • Fruit has nutritional and medicinal value.

  • Dense foliage provides excellent cover.

7. Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma)

Attracts: Sunbirds, drongos, bulbuls, barbets.

Locally called Palash, it blooms with vibrant orange-red flowers during spring, drawing nectar feeders in droves.

Benefits:

  • A symbol of spring festivals like Holi.

  • Useful in traditional medicine.

8. Amaltas (Cassia fistula)

Attracts: Sunbirds, bees, butterflies.

Often planted as an ornamental tree for its golden flowers, Amaltas offers nectar that attracts sunbirds and other pollinators.

Benefits:

  • Tolerates hot climates.

  • Enhances urban aesthetics.

9. Mango Tree (Mangifera indica)

Attracts: Parakeets, barbets, hornbills, bulbuls.

A true favorite, the mango tree offers sweet fruit that birds relish. Even the flowers attract bees and insects, making it a hub of biodiversity.

Benefits:

  • Economic value through fruit harvest.

  • Provides ample shade.

10. Mulberry (Morus alba / Morus indica)

Attracts: Warblers, bulbuls, sunbirds, parakeets.

Mulberry trees produce small berries savored by birds. The dense branches make good nesting sites for small birds.

Benefits:

  • Fruit is edible for humans.

  • Leaves serve as food for silkworms.

Tips for Planting Bird-Friendly Trees

1. Choose Native Trees
Native species are better suited to local climate and soil and support native birds more effectively.

2. Plant Variety
A mix of flowering, fruiting, and evergreen trees ensures year-round food and shelter.

3. Avoid Exotic Invasives
Non-native trees can sometimes disrupt local ecosystems and may not attract local bird species.

4. Provide Water Sources
Adding birdbaths or small water features increases the attractiveness of your green space.

5. Be Patient
Trees take time to mature and start bearing fruit or flowers that attract birds.

Benefits of Planting Bird-Attracting Trees

Beyond the joy of birdwatching, planting bird-friendly trees offers several advantages:

  • Biodiversity Conservation: Helps sustain bird populations in urban areas.

  • Pest Control: Many birds feed on insects and help maintain natural pest control.

  • Air Purification: Trees absorb pollutants and produce oxygen.

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Birdsong and colorful feathers bring beauty to gardens and public spaces.

  • Educational Value: Great for teaching children about ecology and conservation.

Final Thoughts

Birds and trees share an ancient bond. Trees provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds, while birds aid in pollination and seed dispersal. In India, planting native, bird-friendly trees is a simple yet powerful way to support wildlife and enrich our own surroundings.

Imagine stepping into your garden and hearing the sweet calls of sunbirds, spotting vibrant parakeets nibbling on fruit, or watching koels disappear into the leafy canopy. It’s a small slice of wilderness we can all create for ourselves—and for the countless birds who share our world.

So, whether you have a sprawling yard or a small patch of soil, consider planting a tree that welcomes our feathered friends. You’ll be rewarded with beauty, biodiversity, and the joy of birdsong all year long.

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