Birds attracted to Elm

Ulmus

Native to North America

Highlighted Species:

• American Elm - Ulmus americana
• Slippery Elm - Ulmus rubra

Elm Identification and Relationship with Birds

Medium to large-sized deciduous tree, ranging in height from 50 to 100 feet, with a 40 to 100-foot spread. The Elm tree blooms non-showy flowers and a seed-filled samara-shaped fruit in spring. The seeds and buds are eaten by an impressive list of birds. Elm trees also attract and host a substantial number of insects and caterpillars (which will in turn attract insectivorous birds), for this reason the Elm is a favorite of  Warblers. The height and thick foliage of an Elm tree make it an attractive nesting location for some birds, it is a favorite of the Baltimore Oriole. Unfortunately, the Elm tree has had its population ravaged by the Dutch Elm fungus, which is a spread by bark beetles. American Elm is more susceptible to Dutch Elm Fungus than Slippery Elm, though both have been and continued to be ravaged by its presence.

Birds Most Commonly Attracted to Elm

• American Goldfinch
• Baltimore Oriole
• Black-Capped Chickadee
• Insectivorous Birds
• Purple Finch
• Red-Bellied Woodpecker
• Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
• Wild Turkey
• Wood Duck
• Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker