Acer
Native to North America
Highlighted Species:
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Maple Identification and Relationship with BIrds
The famous Maple is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree, often found in mature forests, where it is a favorite of many wild birds. Maple trees range from 50 to 100 feet tall, with a 30 to 70-foot spread (depending on the species). Trees within the Maple genus are preferred by birds when it comes to both nesting and insect foraging. Maple trees actually host many 300 caterpillar species, for this reason, Scarlet Tanagers and Warblers are often found in or around Maple trees, as are Woodpeckers - because they prefer the soft Maple bark to other forest trees. In late spring, samaras (the two-winged propeller things that hold seeds) – provide food for other birds, like the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak and Northern Cardinal.