Birds attracted to Sumac

Rhus

Native to North America

Highlighted Sumac Species:

• Staghorn Sumac - Rhus typhina
• Smooth Sumac - Rhus glabra
• Winged Sumac - Rhus copallinum

Sumac Identification and Relationship with Birds

A small deciduous tree or shrub ranging from 10 to 30 feet in height, with a 20 to 30-foot spread. Sumac is easy to grow and is known for its hairy, red fruit that is quite attractive to birds. The fruit grows in pyramid shaped clusters on pollinated female plants and it is a particular a favorite of the Eastern Bluebird. Sumac is also known to attract and host insects (which will in turn attract insectivorous birds). In the wild, Sumac will self-spread (it is often seen along roadsides) and form thickets, which could create an attractive nesting option for breeding birds.

Birds Most Commonly Attracted to Sumac

• American Goldfinch
• American Robin
• Black-Capped Chickadee
• Blue Jay
• Eastern Bluebird
• Downy Woodpecker
• Evening Grosbeak
• Gray Catbird
• Hermit Thrush
• Insectivorous Birds‍
• Northern Cardinal‍
• Northern Flicker‍
• Northern Mockingbird‍
• Pileated Woodpecker‍
• Red-Eyed Vireo‍
• Wild Turkey‍
• Veery