Birds attracted to Crabapple

Malus

Native to North America

Highlighted Species:

• Southern Crabapple (Malus angustifolia)
• Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria)
• Prairie Crabapple (Malus ioensis)

Crabapple Identification and Relationship with Birds

Small deciduous tree, ranging from 6 to 30 feet tall, with a spread of 10 to 25 feet (though size is highly dependent on on species). Commonly used as an ornamental due to its showy spring time flowers and abundant fruit, the Crabapple is also a great tree for wild birds. The flowers will attract insects (the number one source of food for wild birds) and even Hummingbirds and Orioles may probe the tree for nectar. The crabapples themselves (which mature in fall) are eaten by many birds, including the Cedar Waxwing and American Robin. The fruit will also attract insects. The Crabapple tree may be used by a breeding pair of birds for nesting.

Birds Most Commonly Associated with Crabapple

• American Robin
• Baltimore Oriole
• Blue Jay
• Cedar Waxwing
• Eastern Towhee
• Evening Grosbeak
• Gray Catbird
• House Finch
• Northern Cardinal
• Northern Mockingbird‍
• Pileated Woodpecker‍
• Purple Finch‍
• Red-Bellied Woodpecker‍
• Ruby-Throated Hummingbird‍
• Wild Turkey